Title: Robert M. La Follette Sr. Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1879-1910, 1924-1929

Creator:

• La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925

Call Number: Wis Mss QR; Micro 537; Micro 476; M90-026; M2014-031; M2014-071

Quantity: 57.6 c.f. (214 archives boxes, 18 black boxes, and 1 flat box) and 163 reels of microfilm (35 mm); plus additions of 1.5 c.f. and 0.6 c.f. of photographs

Repository:

Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

Abstract:

Papers of Wisconsin statesman and politician Robert Marion “Fighting Bob” La Follette Sr. consisting of correspondence, governor's letterbooks, speeches and writings, records of the Wisconsin Republican Party, financial records, and other records. La Follette served as in the U.S. House of Representatives, as Governor of Wisconsin, and as a U.S. Senator. He was a crucial figure in the Progressive Movement of the early twentieth century running for President on the Progressive Party ticket in 1924. Also included are some photographs, news clippings, and scrapbooks.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-wis000qr

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Congressman, Governor, and United States Senator Robert Marion La Follette is one of the crucial figures of the Progressive Movement of the early twentieth century. This collection documents his early career in the political reform movement in Wisconsin from 1879 to 1910. During these years La Follette emerged as the powerful leader of the reform coalition which was struggling with the state's large economic interests for control of the government. In 1901 the reformers won control of the state Republican party, and La Follette began the first of his three terms as governor. Under his determined leadership the state enacted the chief planks of his reform program--the primary election law and the railroad regulation act. These important pieces of legislation then served as the models for similar reforms by other states and by the federal government. Thus, it was under La Follette that Wisconsin earned the title “laboratory of democracy.” Additions to the collection relate to his run for the Presidency in 1924 and include memorial addresses and news clippings following his death in 1925.

Chronology

1855 June 14	Born at Primrose, Wisconsin.
1879 June 18	Graduated from the University of Wisconsin after receiving fame as the winner in the interstate oratorical contest.
1880 February 5	Admitted to the Dane County circuit court after only six months in the law school of the University of Wisconsin.
1880 November	Elected Dane County district attorney after his first confrontation with the machine of “Boss” E. W. Keyes.
1881 September	Formed law partnership with his brother-in-law, Robert Siebecker.
1881 December 31	Married Belle Case.
1884 November	Elected to the House of Representatives.
1885 December	Began the first of his three terms in the House, during which he consistently appeared to be a “regular” Republican.
1886 January	Formed La Follette, Siebecker, and Harper law partnership.
1888 July 14	Won first national prominence in speech on the Mills tariff.
1890 May 10	Made speech on the McKinley tariff following work on the important Ways and Means Committee.
1890 July	Formed the La Follette, Harper, Roe, and Zimmerman law partnership.
1890 November	Returned to his law practice in Wisconsin following defeat for re-election.
1891 September 17	Launched his ten-year campaign to reform Wisconsin government after attempted bribery by Senator Philetus Sawyer revealed its corrupt structure to him.
1894 January	Dissolved La Follette, Harper, Roe, and Zimmerman.
1894 July 25	End of candidacy of Nils Haugen, the reform coalition's first candidate for the gubernatorial nomination.
1895 February 6	Birth of Robert M. La Follette Jr.
1896 August 5	Lost bid for gubernatorial nomination as the candidate of the anti-machine coalition, after emerging as the group's leader.
1897 February 22	Made speech on the “Menace of the Machine,” which helped educate Wisconsin voters on electoral reform issues.
1897 May 8	Birth of Philip Fox La Follette.
1898 March 12	Earned a reputation as national reform leader following his speech, “Primary Elections... by Australian Ballot.”
1898 July 15	Lost second bid for gubernatorial nomination.
1900 August 8	Named Republican gubernatorial candidate following a campaign aimed at achieving harmony within the party.
1900 November 6	Elected governor of Wisconsin.
1901 January 7	Inaugurated as governor.
1901 May	Refused to compromise and vetoed the weak Hagemeister election bill, after the legislature defeated the strong Stevens election bill and the railroad taxation bills.
1902 July 17	Renominated for second term as governor.
1903 May	Legislature passed ad valorem railroad bills and the primary election referendum.
1904 May 19	Renominated for third term at the “Gymnasium Convention” after the stalwarts withdrew.
1904 October 5	Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that La Follette slate was the legitimate party ticket.
1904 November 8	Re-elected to third term and primary law adopted.
1905 January 25	Elected to United States Senate, but postponed taking seat until Wisconsin legislature enacted legislation to which he was committed.
1905 January-June	Legislature enacted strong railroad commission law, as well as important anti-lobby, corrupt practices, civil service, workmen's compensation, and insurance regulation laws.
1906 January	Installed in the Senate.
1906 March 1-2	Won his reputation as a friend of the Indians during debate of the Five Nations settlement bill.
1906 April 19-21	Broke Senate tradition and spoke on the Hepburn bill, arguing for a railroad commission with rate-making power.
1906 September 4	Davidson defeated Lenroot, La Follette's choice, in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary.
1907 May 31	Supporters launched La Follette for President campaign in Milwaukee.
1908 March 17-24, May 29	Filibustered against Aldrich-Vreeland currency bill which partially backed U.S. currency with railroad bonds.
1908 June 18	Nominated for the Presidency by the Wisconsin delegation to the Republican Convention.
1909 January	Published first issue of La Follette's Magazine.
1909 February 11	Opposed naval appropriations. This effort marked the first appearance of the insurgent coalition.
1909 August 5	Led the insurgents' fight against the Payne-Aldrich tariff.
1910 September 6	Re-election to the Senate assured by victory in primary.
1911 October 16	Endorsed for the Presidency by the National Progressive Republican League.
1912 February 2	Collapsed at Periodical Publishers' Association, marking virtual end of his presidential campaign. The failure of the Progressives to unite led to Taft's nomination, Roosevelt's formation of the Bull Moose Party, and Wilson's election. La Follette refused to bolt and became a supporter of Wilsonian progressivism.
1913 March 1	Won seven-year fight for physical valuation as the basis for railroad rates in the Adamson-La Follette bill.
1914 November 8	Emanuel Philipp elected governor in resurgence of conservatism in Wisconsin.
1915 February 8	Presented “La Follette Peace Resolution,” asking for conference of neutral nations to end hostilities in Europe.
1915 March 4	Won freedom for sailors through La Follette's seamen's bill.
1916 February 22	Announced candidacy for the Presidency in order to bring his Progressive platform before the people. Because of the war issues, he supported neither Wilson nor Hughes and concentrated on peace and social-welfare issues in his own campaign.
1916 March 10	Re-elected to the Senate.
1916 March 10	Presented a resolution urging a national referendum on the war issues.
1917 February 27-March 4	Filibustered the armed ship bill with Wilson's “Twelve Angry Men.” A month later the nation was at war.
1917 August 11	Condemned as pro-German for his resolution asking for a declaration of war aims.
1917 August 21-September 10	Led unsuccessful fight to raise wartime revenue through taxation of the profits of war.
1917 September 20	Addressed the St. Paul Nonpartisan League, leading to Senate investigation and popular attacks upon his loyalty.
1919 January 16	Cleared of all disloyalty charges by Senate vote.
1919 March 4	Resumed advocacy of domestic reform through successful filibuster of the coal and oil lands bill.
1919 November 18	Opposed entry into the League of Nations.
1920 February 20	Opposed the Esch-Cummins bill which returned railroads to private control.
1920 July 15	Refused presidential nomination by the Labor Party-Committee of 48 convention.
1922 April 28	Introduced resolution calling for investigation of Teapot Dome.
1922 September 5	Renominated in first Senatorial primary following his position on the war.
1924 July 4-November 4	Campaigned for the Presidency on independent La Follette-Wheeler Progressive party ticket.
1925 June 18	Died at age 70.

Manuscript Sources

The La Follette Papers held by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin constitute only a portion of the papers relating to La Follette's life and work. In 1970 the Manuscripts Division of the Library of Congress opened their large collection of La Follette Family Papers for research. These papers date from the 1850s to 1967, and include, in addition to La Follette's own papers, those of Belle Case La Follette, Fola La Follette and George Middleton, Robert M. La Follette Jr., and La Follette's law partners, Alfred T. Rogers and Gilbert E. Roe. La Follette's official correspondence after 1910, all of the La Follette family's personal correspondence, and the political correspondence dealing with La Follette's Washington years previous to 1910 are contained in the collection at the Library of Congress.

The State Historical Society of Wisconsin also holds numerous collections relating to the political and social history of the La Follette era in the state's history:

• Babcock, Joseph W.
• Bancroft, Levi H.
• Barton, Albert O.
• Birge, Edward A.
• Blaine, John J.
• Bryant, George E.
• Commons, John R.
• Connor, William D.
• Cooper, Henry A.
• Davidson, James O.
• Ekern, Herman
• Ely, Richard T.
• Esch, John J.
• Frear, James A.
• Gale, Zona
• Gross, Edwin J.
• Hall, Albert R.
• Hannan, John J.
• Haugen, Nils P.
• Husting, Paul O.
• Johnson, Henry
• Keyes, Elisha W.
• Kronshage, Theodore
• La Follette, Philip F.
• McCarthy, Charles
• McGovern, Francis E.
• Meyer, Balthasar H.
• Payne, Henry C.
• Philipp, Emanuel L.
• Quarles, Joseph V.
• Reinsch, Paul S.
• Roe, Gwyneth K.
• Ross, Edward A.
• Stone, James A.
• Stout, Charles F.
• Strange, John
• Van Hise, Charles R.
• Whitehead, John M.

Further information on the above collections may be obtained from Archives Reference, Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706.

Secondary Sources

Historians differ greatly in their interpretations of La Follette's contributions to progressive reform in Wisconsin. For example, Russel B. Nye in Midwestern Progressive Politics: A Historical Study of its Origins and Development, 1870-1950 depicts La Follette as a Jeffersonian democrat. He suggests that La Follette relied upon traditional American beliefs and values, and that La Follette's reform efforts were not meant as a radical attack upon democracy and capitalism but as an effort to save the system from its own weaknesses. Other historians agree upon La Follette's essential agrarianism, but they interpret him in the radical, Populist tradition. Still other historians, such as Charles A. Madison in “Robert M. La Follette: Prophet of the New Deal,” in the Chicago Jewish Forum, find La Follette's advocacy of scientific investigation of social problems, co-operation between state and university, and the commission form of government to be a harbinger of the New Deal.

More recently a new group of historians has questioned La Follette's membership in the pantheon of Progressive heroes. Paramount among these young historians are David P. Thelen, The Early Life of Robert M. La Follette, 1855-1884, and Stanley P. Caine, The Myth of a Progressive Reform: Railroad Regulation in Wisconsin, 1903-1910. They charge that Robert S. Maxwell's La Follette and the Rise of the Progressives in Wisconsin, A.O. Barton's La Follette's Winning of Wisconsin (1894-1904), and Belle Case La Follette and Fola La Follette's Robert M. La Follette, June 14, 1855-June 18, 1925 are overly laudatory and incorrect in portraying La Follette as a lifelong opponent of special privilege. In his examination of La Follette's first thirty years, Thelen finds no predisposition toward radicalism. Furthermore, in Caine's view, La Follette was a politician driven more by expediency than by principle in his adoption of the railroad regulatory movement actually begun by Albert R. Hall.

Perhaps, however, these critics point to the need for a full reassessment of La Follette's contributions. In essence their books are more critical of La Follette's biographers than of the man himself. Indeed, their criticisms and evaluations are ones which La Follette made about himself in La Follette's Autobiography in 1912. Journalist Lincoln Steffens noted these same things following his visit to Wisconsin in 1904. He recorded that La Follette was no radical at the time of his confrontation with “Boss” Elisha W. Keyes in 1880, and that until 1891 La Follette remained unaware of the corruption within the government. He agreed that La Follette was an ambitious politician and that many of the ideas of “La Folletteism” were borrowed from A.R. Hall. Yet such an evaluation did not stop Steffens from becoming a great admirer of La Follette.

Steffens' judgment was echoed in William B. Hesseltine's moderate reassessment, “Robert M. La Follette and the Principles of Americanism,” in the Wisconsin Magazine of History. In La Follette's evolution from regular Republican to political reformer, Hesseltine saw an unusual capacity for intellectual and moral growth. Aroused by his experiences to the hard facts of political and economic life and driven by ambition, La Follette grew in reforming zeal and sought to adjust democratic processes to the modern world.

• Acrea, Kenneth. “The Wisconsin Reform Coalition, 1892-1900.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 52, No. 2, Winter 1968-1969.
• Barton, Albert 0. La Follette's Winning of Wisconsin (1849-1904). Madison, 1922.
• Brandes, Stuart. “Nils Haugen and the Wisconsin Progressive Machine.” Master's thesis, University of Wisconsin, 1965.
• Burton, William L. “The First Wisconsin Railroad Commission: Reform or Political Expediency?” Master's thesis, University of Wisconsin, 1952.
• Caine, Stanley P. The Myth of a Progressive Reform: Railroad Regulation in Wisconsin, 1903-1910. Madison, 1970.
• Current, Richard N. Pine Logs and Politics: A Life of Philetus Sawyer, 1816-1900. Madison, 1950.
• Doan, Edward N. The La Follettes and the Wisconsin Idea. New York, 1947.
• Fowler, Dorothy G. John Coit Spooner, Defender of Presidents. New York, 1961.
• Frear, James A. Forty Years of Progressive Public Service. Washington, D.C., 1937.
• Ganfield, Dorothy F. “The Influence of Wisconsin on Federal Politics, 1880-1907.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 16, No. 1, September 1932.
• Griffith, Robert. “Prelude to Insurgency: Irvine L. Lenroot and the Republican Primary of 1908.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 49, No. 1, Autumn 1965.
• Haines, William M. “Fifty Years of Civil Service: An Informal Review of the Origins and Development of Wisconsin's Civil Service.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 39, No. 1, Autumn 1955.
• Hantke, Richard W. “The Life of Elisha William Keyes.” Doctoral dissertation, University of Wisconsin, 1942.
• Haugen, Nils P. “Pioneer and Political Reminiscences.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 11, No. 2-4; Vol. 12, No. 1-4; Vol. 13, No. 2; 1928-1929.
• Helgeson, Arlan, “The Wisconsin Treasury Cases.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 35, No. 2, Winter 1951.
• Hesseltine, William B. “Robert M. La Follette and the Principles of Americanism.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 31, No. 3, March 1948.
• Kennedy, Padraic M. “La Follette's Imperialist Flirtation.” Pacific-Historical Review. Vol. 39, 1960.
• Kennedy, Padraic M. “Lenroot, La Follette, and the Campaign of 1906.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 42, No. 3, Spring 1959.
• La Follette, Belle Case, and Fola La Follette. Robert M. La Follette, June 14, 1855-June 18, 1925. New York, 1953.
• La Follette, Robert M. La Follette's Autobiography. Madison, 1960.
• Lehman, Carroll P. “Robert La Follette as Public Speaker and Political Leader, 1855-1905.” Doctoral dissertation, University of Wisconsin, 1939.
• Lovejoy, Allen F. La Follette and the Establishment of the Direct Primary in Wisconsin, 1890-1904. New Haven, 1941.
• Madison, Charles A. “Robert M. La Follette: Prophet of the New Deal.” Chicago Jewish Forum. Vol. 10, Winter 1951-1952.
• Margulies, Herbert F. The Decline of the Progressive Movement in Wisconsin, 1890-1920. Madison, 1968.
• Maxwell, Robert S. “La Follette and the Election of 1900: A Half Century of Reappraisal.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 35, No. 1, Autumn 1951.
• Maxwell, Robert S. La Follette and the Rise of the Progressives in Wisconsin. Madison, 1956.
• Nye, Russel B. Midwestern Progressive Politics: A Historical Study of its Origins and Development, 1870-1950. East Lansing, 1951.
• Ogg, Frederic A. “Robert M. La Follette in Retrospect.” Current History. Vol. 33, February 1931.
• Roe, Gwyneth K. “Two Views of the La Follette's.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 42, No. 2, Winter 1958-1959.
• Sandford, Harold E. “The Political Liberalism of Robert La Follette.” Doctoral dissertation, Boston College, 1938.
• Sayre, Wallace S. “Robert La Follette: A Study in Political Methods.” Doctoral dissertation, Boston College, 1938.
• Steffens, Lincoln. “Enemies of the Republic: Wisconsin, A State Where the People Have Restored Representative Government--The Story of Governor La Follette.” McClure's Magazine, Vol. 23, October, 1904.
• Thelen, David P. The Early Life of Robert M. La Follette, 1855-1884. Chicago, 1966.
• Torelle, Ellen (compiler). The Political Philosophy of Robert M. La Follette. Madison, 1920.
• Twombly, Robert. “Reformer as Politician: La Follette in the Election of 1900.” Master's thesis, University of Wisconsin, 1964.
• Ulrich, Robert J. “The Bennett Law of 1889.” Doctoral dissertation, University of Wisconsin, 1956.
• Weibull, Jorgan. “The Wisconsin Progressives, 1900-1914.” Mid-America. Vol. 47, No. 3, July 1965.
• Wyman, Roger E. “Wisconsin Ethnic Groups and the Election of 1890.” Wisconsin Magazine of History. Vol. 51, No. 4, Summer 1968.

Because of his long friendship with the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Robert M. La Follette deposited certain of his papers in the Division of Manuscripts of the Society for safekeeping in 1916. On October 1, 1927, his widow formally transferred these papers to the Society. It was agreed, however, that the collection would remain closed for ten years while she wrote a biography of her husband. Mrs. La Follette died in 1931 with the volume uncompleted, and her daughter Fola La Follette Middleton took on the task. Work progressed slowly, and it was necessary for the family to request a number of extensions on the original restriction. After the book, Robert M. La Follette, appeared in 1953, the Society opened the La Follette Papers to the public. The papers have since remained one of the most heavily used of the Society's collections.

This collection is available both in original paper form as well as on microfilm. The microfilm edition of the La Follette Papers includes papers from other sources. The 1922 and 1924 correspondence in Series 4: Wisconsin Republican Party Records is borrowed from the papers of Philip Fox La Follette, which were donated to the Society in 1959. The eleven volumes from the La Follette, Harper, Roe, and Zimmerman law partnership included in Series 5: Financial Records and Series 6: Miscellaneous Volumes were a gift of Mrs. A. G. Zimmerman in 1938. The volume of Messages to the Legislature in Series 2: Governor's Letterbooks is from the Governor's Messages to the Legislature, 1899-1905, Series No. 1/1/12-4, State of Wisconsin Archives.

This collection was received in multiple parts from the donor(s) and is organized into 4 major parts. These materials have not been physically interfiled and researchers might need to consult more than one part to locate similar materials.

• Part 1 (Wis Mss QR, Micro 537, Micro 476): Original Collection, 1879-1910
• Part 2 (M90-026): Additions, 1896-1906
• Part 3 (M2014-031): Additions, 1901-1905, 1926-1929
• Part 4 (M2014-071): Addition, 1924-1928

Acquisition Information

Presented by the La Follette family, 1916-1953. Accession Number: M90-026, M2014-031, M2014-071

	Part 1 (Wis Mss QR, Micro 537, Micro 476): Original Collection, 1879-1910 Physical Description: 57.6 c.f. (214 archives boxes, 18 black boxes, and 1 flat box) and 163 reels of microfilm (35 mm)  Scope and Content Note The Robert M. La Follette Papers consist of the papers which constitute the microfilm edition produced in 1972, and three boxes of additional records located later which were then subsequently microfilmed by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The first group of files are organized in six series: Series 1: Correspondence, Series 2: Governor's Letterbooks, Series 3: Speeches and Writings, Series 4: Wisconsin Republican Party Records, Series 5: Financial Records, and Series 6: Miscellaneous Volumes. The additional three boxes consist of Wisconsin Republican Party Records similar to those in Series 4. There are also two volumes of applications and endorsements for positions in La Follette's first gubernatorial administration. These three boxes are described and listed in the Contents List as Series 7. Series 1: Correspondence The largest section of the La Follette Papers consists of personal, political, and legal correspondence. In addition there are papers other than La Follette's own correspondence. For example, letters to his law office regarding cases which his partners handled, letters to the managers of his campaign offices, and mail between members of the reform coalition are included. It is likely that La Follette may never have seen a good deal of this type of correspondence, and it is unclear why he held these papers except that, as Fola La Follette Middleton stated, La Follette was a great hoarder of documents. Unfortunately there is little personal correspondence among members of the immediate family in this collection, for the majority of the personal papers are in the La Follette Family Papers in the Library of Congress (see the note on manuscript sources in the bibliography). While the researcher is thus warned that he will find little of a precise biographical nature in this collection, he will find in these papers a great deal of information on the La Follette progressive movement in Wisconsin. The correspondence from before 1900 is largely related to La Follette's law practice, although there is some mention of his emerging role in politics. After this date constituent correspondence predominates. This mail includes opinions and questions on pending legislation, speaking invitations, and numerous job applications. Preceding each election, the incoming correspondence became quite heavy while the La Follette organization attempted to ascertain local support. La Follette's office stamped all incoming correspondence with the date of the governor's reply; these replies may be found in Series 2: Governor's Letterbooks. The correspondence which dates after La Follette's election to the Senate in 1906 consists of letters from Wisconsin residents. The subjects of this correspondence are chiefly those issues upon which La Follette had established a national reputation. In addition routine correspondence from the 1908 Presidential campaign and the 1910 Senatorial campaign is included. An appendix to this finding aid contains a more detailed description of the contents of each reel; however, the citations indicate only a portion of the information which may be found on the individual reels. Series 2: Governor's Letterbooks Series 2 consists of thirty-one volumes of outgoing correspondence from La Follette's five years as governor of Wisconsin and one volume of his messages to the legislature about specific bills. (His oral messages to the legislature are in Series 3: Speeches and Writings.) The bulk of this outgoing correspondence is official, although a few personal letters are included. The majority of the letters are routine acknowledgments and form letters, many of which were written by his secretaries, Jerre Murphy and John Hannan, during the governor's frequent absences from the capitol. The researcher is warned that the series of outgoing official correspondence is incomplete, for there are lapses in the chronological arrangement within several volumes. In addition, occasional replies may not be found, although the stamp code on letters in Series 1 indicates their existence. In many cases microfilming of the letterbooks was difficult because the onion skin carbons had deteriorated. Wherever possible, typescript copies of the damaged pages were made and placed following their respective originals. The appendix to this finding aid contains reel notes for this series which include textual references to volume and page numbers. Series 3: Speeches and Writings Series 3 consists of several types of materials--speeches and drafts, messages to the legislature (see Series 2: Governor's Letterbooks), statements and proclamations, remarks, books and articles, and some campaign documents. These materials are in chronological order. If more than one draft exists for a particular document, they were arranged with the earliest identifiable draft first. The undated 1903 material includes a large amount of research material on railroad rates for La Follette's speeches; the speeches themselves are arranged alphabetically by town. The researcher is warned that some of the material in this series may not be La Follette's writing; also filmed are documents which handwriting or external evidence indicates were edited by La Follette. Fragments which could not be dated or identified have been filmed at the end of the series and are arranged according to subject. Series 4: Wisconsin Republican Party Records The Wisconsin Republican Party Records consist of correspondence, voter lists, registers of electors, legal material for the 1904 convention, and miscellaneous material. The largest portion of Series 4 is made up of voter lists which were collected by La Follette and his supporters to use for campaign mailings and to aid in organizing local Republican committees. This section is one of the most valuable in the La Follette Papers, for it is the only record of personal party affiliation in Wisconsin during the crucial turn-of-the-century period. In addition, these lists provide notes on occupation, national origin, and degree of party influence. Together with federal census data and the Wisconsin state censuses of 1885, 1895, and 1905, they provide an invaluable resource for the statistical historian. The voter lists have been filmed in chronological order; for each year they have been arranged alphabetically by county and town. When corrections or external evidence indicated that a voter list had been revised, it was filed according to the latest date it was used. A complete list of contents begins each reel. The early lists from 1885-1890 relate only to the Second District and indicate Congressman La Follette's introduction of this systematic technique. Before 1900 The State newspaper handled the voter lists for the La Follette faction, but after La Follette's supporters won control of the party organization in 1901, chairmen Bryant and Connor sent out the lists. Many of the lists before 1900 are fragmentary, and are, no doubt, only a partial representation of the original mailings. After 1900, the lists include a request to include “fair-minded” Democrats. In 1904 two mailings were made, and hence the designation, 1903-1904, for the earlier mailing. The registers of electors comprise lists of all registered voters for a small number of Wisconsin cities. The 1904 convention material consists of the documents used by the La Follette slate to prepare its brief for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. These papers include research material; legal exhibits, with bound and unbound affidavits from delegates; and the drafts of the brief. The section of miscellaneous materials consists of general lists. Many of these, although the subject is often unclear, are apparently related to the voter lists. The section also includes nomination petitions and a sample of the large volume of memoranda, probably dating from 1904, which has been retained to indicate the operation of the campaign office. The correspondence consists of routine office mail from La Follette's Senatorial campaign of 1922 (signed by Robert M. La Follette, Jr.) and from the Wisconsin organization of La Follette's 1924 Presidential campaign. These are arranged alphabetically by county, and chronologically within each county unit. The 1924 correspondence includes contribution forms listing names, occupations, and amounts of contributions. Series 5: Financial Records The financial records, which derive chiefly from the pre-1900 period, consist of six types of materials: checks, check stubs, deposit books, bills and receipts, the personal financial records of Samuel A. Harper, and the records of La Follette, Harper, Roe, and Zimmerman. In processing the collection no attempt was made to separate personal and business records or to divide the materials according to respective banking accounts. Thus, the types of materials to be found in the series range from grocery bills to itemized expenditures for political campaigns to carbons of the charges for legal services. In addition, the series includes a few personal financial records from La Follette's years as governor of Wisconsin. The personal financial records of Samuel A. Harper include an account book and checks. The financial records of La Follette, Harper, Roe, and Zimmerman consist of nine volumes of journals, ledgers, and cashbooks. The account journals are arranged by case and include daily entries for charges and services rendered. Series 6: Miscellaneous Volumes This short series consists of seven shorthand notebooks, a register of letters of application and endorsement, and two volumes from La Follette's law practice. The shorthand notebooks contain notations in the Pitman system; although the majority appear to be letters, longer sections may be dictated notes for speeches or articles. Series 7: Additions Primarily records on the Wisconsin Republican Party similar to those in Series 4, these materials include lists of the County Republican Committee members for each county in the state (1894); voter lists (1895, 1896, 1898, 1900-1904); and some miscellaneous correspondence regarding the voter lists. The voter lists fill some of the gaps in Series 4 of the microfilm edition and are arranged by year and then alphabetically by county and township. There are extensive lists for 1895 and 1900 but only scattered ones for the other years. The 1895 lists request the names of active Republicans and were sent out by La Follette's law partner Samuel Harper under the auspices of the Wisconsin Republican League. The various other mailings requested names of the Republican Township Committees and other active party members, names of influential Scandinavian Republicans, or names of “fair-minded Democrats.” All lists include addresses and generally either the occupation or nationality of those listed. The record of applications and endorsements from La Follette's first gubernatorial administration includes requests ranging from janitorial positions to appointment to the State Board of Control. The record shows the name of the applicant, type of position desired, and names of those endorsing each applicant. Also present is an unidentified shorthand notebook probably in the Pitman system.
Wis Mss QR/Micro 476	Series: Series 1: Correspondence
Box   1 Reel   1	1879 February 22-1893 December 31
Box   2 Reel   2	1894 January 1-1895 January 31
Box   3 Reel   3	1895 February 1-October 31
Box   4-5 Reel   4	1895 November 1-1896 June 30
Box   5-6 Reel   5	1896 July 1-December 15
Box   6-7 Reel   6	1896 December 16-1897 March 31
Box   7-8 Reel   7	1897 April 1-July 31
Box   8-9 Reel   8	1897 August 1-September 30
Box   9-10 Reel   9	1897 October 1-December 20
Box   10-11 Reel   10	1897 December 21-1898 February 15
Box   11-12 Reel   11	1898 February 16-May 15
Box   12-14 Reel   12	1898 May 16-July 21
Box   14-16 Reel   13	1898 July 22-28
Box   16-17 Reel   14	1898 July 29-August 7
Box   18-19 Reel   15	1898 August 8-September 10
Box   20-21 Reel   16	1898 September 11-November 15
Box   21-22 Reel   17	1898 November 16-1899 February 28
Box   23-24 Reel   18	1899 March 1-June 30
Box   24-25 Reel   19	1899 July 1-November 30
Box   25-26 Reel   20	1899 December 1-1900 February 29
Box   27-28 Reel   21	1900 March 1 -May 16
Box   28-29 Reel   22	1900 May 17-23
Box   30-31 Reel   23	1900 May 24-28
Box   31-32 Reel   24	1900 May 29-June 1
Box   32-33 Reel   25	1900 June 2-6
Box   34-35 Reel   26	1900 June 7-11
Box   35-36 Reel   27	1900 June 12-14
Box   36-37 Reel   28	1900 June 15-19
Box   37-38 Reel   29	1900 June 20-25
Box   38-39 Reel   30	1900 June 26-31
Box   40-41 Reel   31	1900 July 1-9
Box   41-42 Reel   32	1900 July 10-25
Box   42-43 Reel   33	1900 July 26-August 15
Box   44-45 Reel   34	1900 August 16-September 10
Box   45-46 Reel   35	1900 September 11-October 23
Box   46-48 Reel   36	1900 October 24-November 23
Box   48-50 Reel   37	1900 November 24-December 9
Box   50-51 Reel   38	1900 December 10-25
Box   51-53 Reel   39	1900 December 26-1901 January 3
Box   53-54 Reel   40	1901 January 4-24
Box   55-56 Reel   41	1901, January 25-February 14
Box   56-58 Reel   42	1901 February 15-March 11
Box   58-59 Reel   43	1901 March 12-April 19
Box   59-61 Reel   44	1901 April 20-May 23
Box   61-63 Reel   45	1901 May 24-June 30
Box   63-65 Reel   46	1901 July 1-September 30
Box   65-66 Reel   47	1901 October 1-December 20
Box   66-68 Reel   48	1901 December 21-1902 January 24
Box   68-70 Reel   49	1902 January 25-March 9
Box   70-71 Reel   50	1902 March 10-April 30
Box   72-73 Reel   51	1902 May 1-25
Box   73-74 Reel   52	1902 May 26-June 8
Box   75-76 Reel   53	1902 June 9-24
Box   76-77 Reel   54	1902 June 25-July 6
Box   77-79 Reel   55	1902 July 7-August 12
Box   79-80 Reel   56	1902 August 13-September 30
Box   81-82 Reel   57	1902 October 1-November 5
Box   82-83 Reel   58	1902 November 6-December 9
Box   84-85 Reel   59	1902 December 10-1902 undated
Box   86-87 Reel   60	1903 January 1-February 10
Box   87-89 Reel   61	1903 February 11-April 30
Box   89-90 Reel   62	1903 April, undated-June 5
Box   91-93 Reel   63	1903 June 6-August 31
Box   93-94 Reel   64	1903 September 1-November 10
Box   94-96 Reel   65	1903 November 11-1903 undated
Box   96-98 Reel   66	undated (continued)-1904 January 31
Box   99-100 Reel   67	1904 February 1-March 17
Box   100-102 Reel   68	1904 March 18-April 3
Box   102-103 Reel   69	1904 April 4-10
Box   103-105 Reel   70	1904 April 11-22
Box   105-106 Reel   71	1904 April 23-May 18
Box   107-108 Reel   72	1904 May 19-June 21
Box   109-110 Reel   73	1904 June 22-August 18
Box   110-112 Reel   74	1904 August 19-October 5
Box   112-113 Reel   75	1904 October 6-November 8
Box   113-115 Reel   76	1904 November 9-17
Box   115-116 Reel   77	1904 November 18-December 19
Box   116-117 Reel   78	1904 December 20-1904 undated
Box   117-119 Reel   79	undated (continued)-1905 January 20
Box   119-120 Reel   80	1905 January 21-February 6
Box   121-122 Reel   81	1905 February 7-March 6
Box   122-123 Reel   82	1905 March 7-April 8 Note: A March 21, 1905 letter declining an invitation, received after the collection was microfilmed, is in Box 123.
Box   123-125 Reel   83	1905 April 9-May 16
Box   125-126 Reel   84	1905 May 17-June 12
Box   127-128 Reel   85	1905 June 13-July 20
Box   128-129 Reel   86	1905 July 21-August 31
Box   130-131 Reel   87	1905 September 1-October 31
Box   131-133 Reel   88	1905 November 1-December 15
Box   133-134 Reel   89	1905 December 16-1906 January 24
Box   134-136 Reel   90	1906 January 25-February 29
Box   136-137 Reel   91	1906 March 1-April 25
Box   137-139 Reel   92	1906 April 26-June 6
Box   139-140 Reel   93	1906 June 7 -July 28
Box   140-142 Reel   94	1906 July 29-September 10
Box   144-145 Reel   95	1906 September 11-October 31
Box   145-147 Reel   96	1906 November 1-1907 May 30
Box   145-147 Reel   97	1907 June 1-November 10
Box   147-148 Reel   98	1907 November 11-December 20
Box   148-149 Reel   99	1907 December 21-1908 January 14
Box   150-151 Reel   100	1908 January 15-February 5
Box   151-152 Reel   101	1908 February 6-29
Box   152-153 Reel   102	1908 March 1-18
Box   154-155 Reel   103	1908 March 19-30
Box   155-156 Reel   104	1908 March 31-April 25
Box   156-158 Reel   105	1908 April 26-August 15
Box   158-159 Reel   106	1908 August 16-1909 March 31
Box   159-160 Reel   107	1909 April 1-July 31
Box   161-162 Reel   108	1909 August 1-1910 May 18
Box   162-163 Reel   109	1910 May 19-June 23
Box   163-164 Reel   110	1910 June 24-July 15
Box   165-166 Reel   111	1910 July 16-August 2
Box   166-167 Reel   112	1910 August 13-15
Box   167-168 Reel   113	1910 August 16-30
Box   168-170 Reel   114	1910 August 31-September 8
Box   170-171 Reel   115	1910 September 9-December 19; undated
	Series: Series 2: Governor's Letterbooks	⇧
Box   172 Reel   116	, 1901 January 12-June 8 (Volume 1-2)
Box   172-173 Reel   117	, 1901 June 10-November 4 (Volume 3-4)
Box   173 Reel   118	, 1901 November 6-1902 March 8 (Volume 5-6)
Box   174 Reel   119	, 1902 March 8-June 20 (Volume 7-8)
Box   174-175 Reel   120	, 1902 June 20-October 8 (Volume 9-10)
Box   175 Reel   121	, 1902 October 8-1903 January 20 (Volume 11-12)
Box   176 Reel   122	, 1903 January 20-June 3 (Volume 13-14)
Box   176-177 Reel   123	, 1903 June 3-September 21 (Volume 15-16)
Box   177 Reel   124	, 1903 September 23-1904 February 18 (Volume 17-18)
Box   178 Reel   125	, 1904 February 18-July 25 (Volume 19-20)
Box   178-179 Reel   126	, 1904 July 25-October 26 (Volume 21-22)
Box   179 Reel   127	, 1904 October 26-December 17 (Volume 23-24)
Box   180 Reel   128	, 1904 December 17-1905 February 24 (Volume 25-26)
Box   180-181 Reel   129	, 1905 February 24-May 22 (Volume 27-28)
Box   181 Reel   130	, 1905 May 22-August 11 (Volume 29-30)
Box   182 Reel   131	, 1905 August 11-November 7 (Volume 31)
Box   182 Reel   131	Messages to the Legislature, 1901, 1903, 1905
	Series: Series 3: Speeches and Writings, 1879 May-1909 June; undated	⇧
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1879 May 7: Speech, “Iago,”
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1884 May 30: Speech, C.C. Washburn GAR, Memorial Day
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1886 March 25: Speech, Rankin Memorial Tribute, reprint
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1886 May 31: Speech, To the Law Department of Howard University, reprint
Box/Folder   183/1	1886 June 2: Speech, on oleomargarine Note: Not on microfilm.
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1887 January 20: Speech, Interstate Commerce, reprint
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1889 February 13: Speech, Contested Election Case, reprint
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	, circa 1890: Speech
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1891 circa October: Statement, Sawyer Bribery Incident
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	, circa 1893: Speech
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1894 April 21: Remarks, Mary Ferguson La Follette Funeral
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	, circa 1896: Speech fragment
Box/Folder   183/1 Reel   132	1897 February 22: Speech, “Peril in the Machine”
Box/Folder   183/2 Reel   132	1897 July 4: Speech, “Dangers Threatening Representative Government,” drafts 1-3
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	1897 September 24: Speech, Soldiers' Day, Milwaukee State Fair
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	1898 March 12: Speech, “Primary Election for the Nomination of All Candidates by Australian Ballot,” reprint
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	1898 circa June: Speech, Modern Woodmen of America
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	1898 July 15: Statement, “Address to the Republicans of Wisconsin”
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	1898 circa August: Biographical sketches, Berryman's History of Bench and Bar
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	circa 1898: Letter, “To the Editor, La Crosse Republican”
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	1900 May 16: Statement, “To the Republican Voters of Wisconsin”
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	1900 August 8: Speech, Acceptance of Nomination
Box/Folder   183/3 Reel   132	, 1900 August 16: Speech
Box/Folder   183/4 Reel   132	, 1900 September 19: Speech and Notes
Box/Folder   183/5 Reel   132	1900 September 19: Speeches, 1900 Campaign Scrapbook
Box/Folder   183/5 Reel   132	1901 January 10: Message to the Legislature, draft and reprint
Box/Folder   184/1 Reel   133	1901 February 5: Speech, State Board of Agriculture
Box/Folder   184/1 Reel   133	1901 April 29: Message to the Legislature, draft fragment
Box/Folder   184/1 Reel   133	1901 May 2: Message to the Legislature, “Dog Tax Veto,” draft
Box/Folder   184/1 Reel   133	1901 May 10: Message to the Legislature, draft
Box/Folder   184/1 Reel   133	1901 June 7: Speech, Greeting to Dr. John Bascom
Box/Folder   184/2 Reel   133	1901 June 11: Speech, Catholic Order of Foresters
Box/Folder   184/2 Reel   133	1901 June 11: Speech, American Medico-Psychological Association
Box/Folder   184/2 Reel   133	1901 June 19: Speech, University Alumni
Box/Folder   184/2 Reel   133	1901 circa September: Speech, William McKinley Funeral Tribute
Box/Folder   184/2 Reel   133	, circa 1901: Research Notes
Box/Folder   184/2 Reel   133	1902 January 31: Speech, National Guard Officers' Association
Box/Folder   184/3 Reel   133	1902 February 28: Speech, Kidd Funeral Tribute
Box/Folder   184/3 Reel   133	1902 March 4: Speech, Greeting to Prince Henry
Box/Folder   184/3 Reel   133	1902 March 19: Speech, Farmers' Institute
Box/Folder   184/4-5 Reel   133	1902 April 9: Campaign Document, Voters' Handbook, outline, notes, incomplete draft, and galley proofs
Box/Folder   184/4-5 Reel   133	1902 April 9: Campaign Document, Voters' Handbook, final copy
Box/Folder   184/6 Reel   133	1902 April 18: Remarks, Masonic Lodge
Box/Folder   184/6 Reel   133	1902 June 14: Speech, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Box/Folder   184/6 Reel   133	1902 July 16: Speech, Acceptance of Nomination, draft and final copy
Box/Folder   184/6 Reel   133	, 1902 circa July: Speech
Box/Folder   185/1 Reel   133	1902 circa August: Campaign Document, “The Battle Only Half Over,” draft and final copy
Box/Folder   185/2-3 Reel   133	1902 circa September: Speech, drafts 1-5
Box/Folder   185/4 Reel   133	, 1902 October 10: Statement
Box/Folder   185/5 Reel   133	1902 before November: Speech, Drafts 1-4
Box/Folder   185/6 Reel   133	1902 November 10: Statement, Thanksgiving Day
Box/Folder   185/6 Reel   133	, circa 1902: Speech
Box/Folder   185/6 Reel   133	, circa 1902: Speech
Box/Folder   186/1 Reel   134	circa 1902: Speech, drafts and partial outline
Box/Folder   186/1 Reel   134	, circa 1902: Speech
Box/Folder   186/1 Reel   134	, circa 1902: Statement
Box/Folder   186/1 Reel   134	, circa 1902: Statement
Box/Folder   186/2 Reel   134	, circa 1902: Outline
Box/Folder   186/2 Reel   134	, circa 1902: Oral Notes
Box/Folder   186/2 Reel   134	, circa 1902: Press Release
Box/Folder   186/3-4 Reel   134	1903 January 15: Message to the Legislature, draft and final copy
Box/Folder   186/5 Reel   134	1903 January 15: Message to the Legislature, research data?
Box/Folder   186/6 Reel   134	, 1903 after February: Statement
Box/Folder   186/6 Reel   134	, 1903 March 30: Speech
Box/Folder   186/7 Reel   134	1903 April 28: Special Message to the Legislature, Regulation of Rail-road Rates, miscellaneous draft pages and final copy
Box/Folder   187/1-8 Reel   135	1903 circa July: Speech, “Representative Government,” Synopsis, drafts A and B; Alternate synopsis; Draft A, pp. lff., 64-89 miscellaneous; Draft B, pp. 36-39; Draft C, fragment; Draft D, fragments; Draft E, and outline; Draft F; Notes
Box/Folder   188/1 Reel   135	1903 circa September: Statement, Labor Day
Box/Folder   188/1 Reel   135	1903 December 6: Speech, Elks Memorial Service, drafts
	, circa 1903: Research material for speeches and articles on railroad regulation at:
Box/Folder   188/2 Reel   135	Algoma
Box/Folder   188/2 Reel   135	Amherst
Box/Folder   188/2 Reel   135	Antigo
Box/Folder   188/2 Reel   135	Appleton
Box/Folder   188/2 Reel   135	Ashland
Box/Folder   188/2 Reel   135	Augusta
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Bagley
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Bangor
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Baraboo
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Black River Falls
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Blair
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Boscobel
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Bridgeport
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Brodhead
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Cashton
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Chelsea
Box/Folder   188/3 Reel   135	Chippewa Falls
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	Dane
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	Darlington
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	Deerfield
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	De Pere
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	Dodgeville
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	Durand
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	Eau Claire
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	Evansville
Box/Folder   188/4 Reel   135	Fennimore
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Gays Mills
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Glen Haven
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Grand Rapids
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Grantsburg
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Green Bay
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Independence
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Janesville
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Jefferson
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Kaukauna
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Kendall
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Kewanee
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Kilbourn
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	La Crosse
Box/Folder   188/5 Reel   135	Lake Mills
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Lancaster
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Madison
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Manitowoc
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Marshfield
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Mauston
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Mazomanie
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Medford
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Menomonie
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Merrill
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Middleton
Box/Folder   189/1 Reel   136	Milton Junction
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Milwaukee
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Mineral Point
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Monroe
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Montford
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Monticello
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Mt. Horeb
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Necedah
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Neenah-Menasha
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Neillsville
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	New Glarus
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	New Lisbon
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Norwalk
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Omro
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Oshkosh
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Plainfield
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Platteville
Box/Folder   189/2 Reel   136	Plymouth
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Rewey
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Rhinelander
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Richland Center
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Ridgeway
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Sauk County
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Sheboygan
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Soldiers Grove
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Sparta
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Stoughton
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Tomah
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Union Center
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Washburn
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Waunakee
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Wautoma
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Westboro
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	West Salem
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Whitehall
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Wilton
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Winneconne
Box/Folder   189/3 Reel   136	Wittenberg
Box/Folder   189/4 Reel   136	Miscellany
Box/Folder   190/1 Reel   136	1903: Speech, “Hamlet: The World's Greatest Tragedy”
Box/Folder   190/1 Reel   136	1903: Message to the Legislature, draft fragments
Box/Folder   190/1 Reel   136	, 1903: Statement
Box/Folder   190/1 Reel   136	, 1903: Speech fragment
Box/Folder   190/2 Reel   136	1903: Report of the Tax Commission on Railroads, draft
Box/Folder   190/3 Reel   136	, 1903: Speech
Box/Folder   190/3 Reel   136	1903: Speech, “Our Honored Guest, Nicholas Grevstad,” drafts
Box/Folder   190/3 Reel   136	1904 January 4: Speech, Six O'Clock Club
Box/Folder   190/3 Reel   136	1904 January 29: Speech, Milton Junction, draft
Box/Folder   190/4 Reel   137	1904 January 29: Speech, Milton Junction
Box/Folder   190/5 Reel   137	, 1904 March 4: Statement
Box/Folder   190/5 Reel   137	1904 March 23: Speech, La Crosse
Box/Folder   191/1 Reel   137	1904 Before May 19: Statement, “To the Republicans of Wisconsin”
Box/Folder   191/1 Reel   137	1904 May 19: Speech, Acceptance of Nomination
Box/Folder   191/1 Reel   137	, 1904 circa May: Speech
Box/Folder   191/2 Reel   137	1904 June 7: Speech, University of Wisconsin Jubilee
Box/Folder   191/2 Reel   137	1904 June 29: Remarks, Louisiana Purchase Exposition
Box/Folder   191/2 Reel   137	, 1904 circa August: Campaign Document
Box/Folder   191/2 Reel   137	1904 circa August: Statement, State Fair
Box/Folder   191/2 Reel   137	, 1904 circa August: Speech
Box/Folder   191/2 Reel   137	, 1904 circa August: Speech
Box/Folder   191/2 Reel   137	1904 December 11: Remarks, Toledo
Box/Folder   191/2 Reel   137	, 1904 December 22: Press Release
Box/Folder   191/3 Reel   137	circa 1904: Speech, Milwaukee YMCA
Box/Folder   191/3 Reel   137	circa 1904: Speech, Conclusions
Box/Folder   191/3 Reel   137	, circa 1904: Speech
Box/Folder   191/3 Reel   137	circa 1904: Campaign Document, revised draft
Box/Folder   191/3 Reel   137	, circa 1904: Speech
Box/Folder   191/3 Reel   137	, circa 1904: Speech Notes
Box/Folder   191/3 Reel   137	circa 1904: Campaign Document, draft
Box/Folder   191/4 Reel   137	, circa 1904: Campaign Document
Box/Folder   191/4 Reel   137	, circa 1904: Campaign Document
Box/Folder   191/4 Reel   137	, circa 1904: Campaign Document
Box/Folder   191/4 Reel   137	, circa 1904: Campaign Document
Box/Folder   192/1 Reel   137	1905 January 12: Message to the Legislature, draft and final copy
Box/Folder   192/1 Reel   137	1905 January 25: Message to the Legislature, Senatorial Acceptance, draft fragment and final copy
Box/Folder   192/2 Reel   137	1905 February 15: Speech, “The State”
Box/Folder   192/2 Reel   137	1905 February 18, 25: Article, “Fair Railroad Regulation,” Saturday Evening Post
Box/Folder   192/2 Reel   137	1905 March 4
Box/Folder   192/2 Reel   137	1905 circa February: Legislation, draft fragment
Box/Folder   192/2 Reel   137	, 1905 circa March: Message to the Legislature
Box/Folder   192/3 Reel   137	, 1905 April 20: Message to the Legislature
Box/Folder   192/3 Reel   137	, 1905 May 8: Message to the Legislature
Box/Folder   192/3 Reel   137	1905 May 16: Message to the Legislature, two drafts
Box/Folder   192/3 Reel   137	1905 May 23: Message to the Assembly, drafts
Box/Folder   192/3 Reel   137	1905 May 25: Message to the Legislature, draft
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	, 1905 circa May: Statements
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	1905 June 1: Message to the Senate, draft
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	, 1905 June 1: Statement
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	1905 June 2: Speech, A. R. Hall Memorial Tribute, two drafts
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	1905 June 3: Message to the Assembly, draft
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	1905 June 5: Message to the Legislature, draft
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	1905 June 10: Message to the Assembly, draft
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	1905 June 14: Remarks, Order of Elks
Box/Folder   192/4 Reel   137	1905 June 21: Remarks, To President Bascom
Box/Folder   193/1 Reel   137	1905 December 5: Special Message to the Legislature, draft fragment and final copy
Box/Folder   193/1 Reel   137	1905 December 19: Message to the Legislature, draft
Box/Folder   193/1 Reel   137	circa 1905: Message to the Legislature, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/2 Reel   137	1905: Volume, Railroad Regulation: State and Interstate, draft fragment and omitted pages
Box/Folder   193/2 Reel   138	circa 1905: Volume, Railroad Regulation: State and Interstate, pp. 46-52
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	circa 1905: Speech, Symposium I: “The Legislative Lobby,”
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	circa 1905: Report, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	circa 1905: Speech, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	circa 1905: Speech, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	circa 1905: Speech, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	circa 1905: Speech, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	1906 April 19, 20, 21-May 14, 30: Speech, “Regulation of Railway Rates and Services, Relations of Government to Commerce and Transportation,” reprint
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	1906 June 26, 27, 29, 30: Speech, “Employers' Liability and Hours of Service of Railway Employees,” reprint
Box/Folder   193/4 Reel   138	1906 June 15: Speech, “Lake Erie and Ohio River Ship Canal,” reprint
Box/Folder   193/4 Reel   138	1906 June 25: Speech, “Investigation of the Grain Buying, Elevating and Forwarding Business,” reprint
Box/Folder   193/4 Reel   138	, 1906 circa June: Speech
Box/Folder   194/4 Reel   138	1906 August 18: Speech, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/4 Reel   138	circa 1906: Speech, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/4 Reel   138	circa 1906: Remarks, “To the Chicago Scandinavian”
Box/Folder   193/4 Reel   138	circa 1906: Volume, Making of America Series, introduction and essay for volume 2
Box/Folder   193/4 Reel   138	circa 1906: Speech, draft fragment
Box/Folder   193/5 Reel   138	circa 1906 March 17: Speech, Amendment to the National Banking Law, “Centralization and Community of Control in Industry,” research material and reprint
Box/Folder   193/3 Reel   138	1909 circa June: Speech, draft fragment
	undated: Unidentified Fragments, Subject File
Box/Folder   194/1 Reel   138	Tariff Reform
Box/Folder   194/1 Reel   138	Railroad Regulation
Box/Folder   194/2 Reel   138	Taxation
Box/Folder   194/3 Reel   138	Big Business
Box/Folder   194/4 Reel   138	Primary Election Laws and Electoral Reform
Box/Folder   195/1 Reel   138	Primary Election Laws and Electoral Reform (continued)
Box/Folder   195/2 Reel   139	Miscellany
M90-026	Transcriptions of La Follette's speeches, 1896-1906, by Senator Wayne Morse Note: This folder is not available on microfilm.
Wis Mss QR	Series: Series 4: Wisconsin Republican Party Records, 1885-1898	⇧
Box/Folder   207/1	List of Party Records Note: Not on microfilm.
	Voter Lists
	1885-1886
Box/Folder   207/2 Reel   140	Dane County
Box/Folder   207/2 Reel   140	Green County
	1888-1890
Box/Folder   207/3 Reel   140	Dane County
Box/Folder   207/3 Reel   140	Green County
Box/Folder   207/3 Reel   140	Lafayette County
	1890
Box/Folder   207/4-5 Reel   140	Dane County
Box/Folder   207/5 Reel   140	Lafayette County
Box/Folder   207/6 Reel   140	, 1892 Dodge County Republican Committee lists
Box/Folder   207/7 Reel   140	, 1894 Madison Republican League membership roll
	, 1895 Wisconsin Republican League lists
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Adams County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Crawford County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Grant County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Iowa County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Juneau County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Milwaukee County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Oneida County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Richland County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Sauk County
Box/Folder   207/8-9 Reel   140	Vernon County
	1896
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Brown County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Dodge County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Douglas County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Green County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Juneau County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Kenosha County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	La Crosse County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Marathon County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Monroe County
Box/Folder   207/10 Reel   140	Oneida County
Box/Folder   207/11 Reel   140	Polk County
Box/Folder   207/11 Reel   140	Portage County
Box/Folder   207/11 Reel   140	Racine County
Box/Folder   207/11 Reel   140	Richland County
Box/Folder   207/11 Reel   140	Rock County
Box/Folder   207/12 Reel   140	Sauk County
Box/Folder   207/12 Reel   140	Sheboygan County
Box/Folder   207/12 Reel   140	Walworth County
Box/Folder   207/12 Reel   140	Waukesha County
Box/Folder   207/12 Reel   140	Wood County
	1898
Box/Folder   208/1-9 Reel   140	Adams-Marathon Counties
Box/Folder   208/10 Reel   141	Marinette-Milwaukee Counties
Box/Folder   209/1-7 Reel   141	Monroe-Wood Counties
	1900
Box/Folder   210/1-6 Reel   141	Adams-Dane Counties
Box/Folder   211/1 Reel   141	Dodge-Florence Counties
Box/Folder   211/2-4 Reel   142	Fond du Lac-Jefferson Counties
Box/Folder   212/1-5 Reel   142	Juneau-Outagamie Counties
Box/Folder   213/1-2 Reel   142	Pepin-Racine Counties
Box/Folder   213/2-4 Reel   143	Richland-Walworth Counties
Box/Folder   214/1-3 Reel   143	Washburn-Wood Counties
	1901
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Ashland County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Bayfield County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Burnett County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Chippewa County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Dane County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Door County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Fond du Lac County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Forest County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Green County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Kewaunee County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	La Crosse County
Box/Folder   215/1 Reel   143	Oconto County
Box/Folder   215/2 Reel   143	Oneida-Outagamie Counties
Box/Folder   215/2 Reel   143	Racine-Rusk Counties
Box/Folder   215/2 Reel   143	Sauk County
Box/Folder   215/2 Reel   143	Walworth County
Box/Folder   215/2 Reel   143	Washington-Wood Counties
	1901?
Box/Folder   215/3 Reel   143	Barron-Wood Counties
	1902
Box/Folder   216/1-3 Reel   143	Adams-Dane Counties
Box/Folder   216/3 Reel   144	Dodge County
Box/Folder   217/1-4 Reel   144	Douglas-Oneida Counties
Box/Folder   218/1-5 Reel   144	Outagamie-Winnebago Counties
	1903
Box/Folder   219/1-5 Reel   145	Adams-Jackson Counties
Box/Folder   220/1-4 Reel   145	Juneau-Racine Counties
Box/Folder   221/1-4 Reel   145	Richland-Winnebago Counties
Box/Folder   221/5 Reel   146	Wood County
	1903/1904
Box/Folder   222/1-4 Reel   146	Adams-Iron Counties
Box/Folder   223/1-4 Reel   146	Jackson-Pierce Counties
Box/Folder   223/4 Reel   147	Polk County
Box/Folder   224/1-5 Reel   147	Price-Wood Counties
	1904
Box/Folder   225/1-4 Reel   147	Adams-Forest Counties
Box/Folder   225/5-7 Reel   148	Grant-Waushara Counties
Box/Folder   226/1 Reel   148	1906
Box/Folder   226/1 Reel   148	1907
Box/Folder   226/1 Reel   148	, 1908 (Presidential Campaign)
Box/Folder   226/1 Reel   148	, 1910 (Senatorial Campaign)
	Undated
Box/Folder   226/2 Reel   148	Adams-Dunn Counties
Box/Folder   226/3 Reel   148	Fond du Lac-Kenosha Counties
Box/Folder   227/1 Reel   148	Lafayette-Price Counties
Box/Folder   227/1 Reel   149	Racine-Wood Counties
	Register of Electors
Box/Folder   227/2 Reel   149	Brown County, 1900-1902
Box/Folder   227/2 Reel   149	Dane County, 1901-1904
Box/Folder   227/2 Reel   149	Dodge County, 1902
Box/Folder   227/2 Reel   149	Milwaukee County, undated
Box/Folder   227/2 Reel   149	Walworth County, 1900
	, 1904 Convention Legal Material
	Research Material
Box/Folder   227/3 Reel   149	Notebook of convention and caucus dates
Box/Folder   227/4 Reel   149	Statement of Republican State Central Committee
Box/Folder   227/5 Reel   149	Committee majority statement
Box/Folder   227/6 Reel   149	Lists of delegates
Box/Folder   227/7 Reel   149	Tally sheets
Box/Folder   228/1 Reel   149	Delegates badges
Box/Folder   228/2 Reel   149	Miscellany
Box/Folder   228/3 Reel   149	Miscellany (continued)
Box   228/4-8 Reel   149-150	Legal Exhibits Scope and Content Note: Includes Credentials of uncontested delegates, Affidavits of contested counties and delegates, and Miscellaneous affidavits.
Box/Folder   228/9 Reel   150	Legal Statements and Drafts
	Miscellaneous Material
Box/Folder   229/1-2 Reel   150	General Lists, undated
Box/Folder   229/3 Reel   151	Office Memoranda, undated
Box/Folder   229/4 Reel   151	Nomination Petitions, undated
	Correspondence
	, 1922 Correspondence
Reel   151	Lincoln-Oconto County
Reel   152	Oneida-Sawyer County
Reel   153	Shawano-Wood County
	, 1924 Correspondence
Reel   154	Adams-Eau Claire County
Reel   155	Florence-Outagamie County
Reel   156	Ozaukee-Wood County
	Series: Series 5: Financial Records, 1876-1906	⇧
	Checks
Box/Folder   196/1 Reel   157	1883 March, November
Box/Folder   196/2 Reel   157	1886 October
Box/Folder   196/3 Reel   157	1887 October-November
Box/Folder   196/4 Reel   157	1888 July-November
Box/Folder   196/5 Reel   157	1889 September-November
Box/Folder   196/6-11 Reel   157	1891 January-1895 December
Box/Folder   197/1-7 Reel   157	1896 January-1897 August
Box/Folder   198/1-7 Reel   157	1897 September-1898 June
Box/Folder   199/1-6 Reel   157	1898 June-1899 November
Box/Folder   200/1-6 Reel   157	1899 November-1902 February
Box/Folder   201/1-3 Reel   157	1902 February-June; 1906 June
	Check Stubs
Box/Folder   201/4 Reel   157	1898 July-1899 July
Box/Folder   201/5 Reel   157	1899 December-1900 December
Box/Folder   201/6 Reel   157	1901 June-September
	Bills and Receipts
Box/Folder   202/1 Reel   157	1876 August, October
Box/Folder   202/1 Reel   157	1878 May, October, December
Box/Folder   202/1-2 Reel   157	1879 October-1885 December
Box/Folder   202/2 Reel   157	1886 July-1888 November
Box/Folder   202/3 Reel   158	1889 March-October
Box/Folder   202/3 Reel   158	1890 January-November
Box/Folder   202/3 Reel   158	1891 January-1893 December
Box/Folder   203/1-4 Reel   158	1894 January-1897 December
Box/Folder   204/1-3 Reel   158	1898 January-1906 December
Box/Folder   204/3 Reel   159	1907 November-1908 May, August
Box/Folder   204/3 Reel   159	1910 August; undated
	Deposit Books
Box/Folder   204/4 Reel   159	1886 August-1893 August
Box/Folder   204/4 Reel   159	1893 December-1898 June
	Samuel A. Harper Personal Account
	Checks
Box/Folder   204/5 Reel   159	1889 November-1890 May
Box/Folder   204/5 Reel   159	1891 April-June
Box/Folder   204/6 Reel   159	Deposit Book, circa 1882-1889
	La Follette, Harper, Roe, and Zimmerman Financial Records
	Deposit Books
Box/Folder   204/7 Reel   159	1887 June-1889 December
Box/Folder   204/7 Reel   159	1889 January-1890 May
Box/Folder   204/7 Reel   159	1889 November
	Account Journals
Box/Folder   205/1 Reel   159	1890 July-1892 December
Box/Folder   205/2 Reel   159	La Follette, 1893 January-1894 January
Box/Folder   205/3 Reel   159	Zimmerman, 1893 January-1897 June
	Account Journals (and Cashbook)
Box/Folder   205/4 Reel   160	Zimmerman, 1894 September-1899 December
Box/Folder   206/1 Reel   160	Harper, 1893 January-1899 September
	Ledgers
Box/Folder   206/2 Reel   160	“A” , 1890 July-1892 December
Box/Folder   206/3 Reel   160	“B” , 1893 January-1894 December
Box/Folder   206/4 Reel   160	Zimmerman, 1894 October-1900 January
Box/Folder   206/5 Reel   160	Cashbook, 1893 January-1895 February
	Series: Series 6: Miscellaneous Volumes, 1884-1896, undated	⇧
Box/Folder   230/1 Reel   161	Shorthand Notebooks, #1-#7, undated
Box/Folder   230/2 Reel   161	Governor's Register of Letters of Application and Endorsement, undated
Box/Folder   230/3 Reel   161	La Follette, Siebecker and Harper Record of Cases, 1884-1895
Box/Folder   230/4 Reel   161	La Follette, Harper, Roe, and Zimmerman Record of Cases, 1890-1896
Box   182	Bible given RML by Belle Case La Follette, 1889 June 14 Note: Not on microfilm.
Wis Mss QR/Micro 537	Series: Series 7: Additions, 1894-1904	⇧
Box/Folder   231/1 Reel   1	Republican County Committee Lists, 1894
	Voter Lists
	1895
Box/Folder   231/2 Reel   1	Ashland-Clark Counties
Box/Folder   231/3 Reel   1	Columbia-Dunn Counties
Box/Folder   231/4 Reel   1	Eau Claire-Iron Counties
Box/Folder   231/5 Reel   1	Jefferson-Lincoln Counties
Box/Folder   231/6 Reel   1	Manitowoc-Outagamie Counties
Box/Folder   231/7 Reel   1	Pierce-Taylor Counties
Box/Folder   231/8 Reel   1	Waupaca-Wood Counties
Box/Folder   231/9 Reel   1	1896, Jefferson, La Crosse, Langlade, and Lincoln Counties
	1898
Box/Folder   231/10 Reel   1	Clark-Jefferson Counties
Box/Folder   231/11 Reel   1	La Crosse-Wood Counties
	1900
Box/Folder   231/12 Reel   1	Adams-Forest Counties
Box/Folder   232/1 Reel   2	Green-Sheboygan Counties
Box/Folder   232/2 Reel   2	Taylor-Wood Counties
Box/Folder   232/3 Reel   2	1901, Door-Winnebago Counties
	1902
Box/Folder   232/4 Reel   2	Dodge-Marinette Counties
Box/Folder   232/5 Reel   2	St. Croix-Winnebago Counties
Box/Folder   232/6 Reel   2	1903, Dodge-Waukesha Counties
Box/Folder   232/7 Reel   2	1904, Green-Shawano Counties
Box/Folder   232/8 Reel   2	Undated and Miscellaneous
Box/Folder   232/9 Reel   2	Correspondence, 1904
Box/Folder   233/1-2 Reel   2	Record of Applications and Endorsements, 1900
Box/Folder   233/3 Reel   2	Shorthand Notebook, undated
M90-026	Part 2 (M90-026): Additions, 1896-1906 Physical Description: 0.1 c.f. (1 folder)  Scope and Content Note: Transcriptions of La Follette's speeches, 1896-1906, made by Senator Wayne Morse from various sources as well as press releases from the La Follette/Wheeler Progressive Party presidential campaign (1924).	⇧
M2014-031	Part 3 (M2014-031): Additions, 1901-1905, 1926-1929 Physical Description: 0.8 c.f. (1 archives box and 1 flat box) and 0.6 c.f. of photographs (1 flat box)  Scope and Content Note: Additions, 1901-1905 and 1926-1929, consisting of two photograph albums, newspaper clippings, and three messages (1901, 1903, 1905) La Follette delivered while governor of Wisconsin. Also included is the memorial address delivered by the United States Congress after La Follette's death as well as an address entitled, “The Statue of Robert Marion La Follette Unveiled in the United States Capitol” delivered on April 25, 1929. The newspaper clippings document La Follette's political life and include a notebook with brief and sporadic descriptions of the articles.	⇧
	Photographs
Box   1 Folder   1-5	Photo Album I
Box   1 Folder   6-7	Photo Album II
	Publications
Box   2	“Messages of Robert M. La Follette Governor of Wisconsin,” 1901, 1903, 1905
Box   2	“Robert M. La Follette Memorial Address Delivered in Congress,” 1926-1927
Box   2	“The Statue of Robert Marion La Follette Unveiled in the United States Capitol,” 1929
	News clippings
Box   3	News clipping notebook
Box   3	News clippings scrapbook
M2014-071	Part 4 (M2014-071): Addition, 1924-1928 Physical Description: 0.6 c.f. (1 flat box)  Scope and Content Note: Addition, consisting of a scrapbook entitled “Robert Marion La Follette, 1855-1925,” created by Angeline M. Clement containing of news clippings, photographs, and a biography of La Follette's political career as Wisconsin Governor, Senator, and run for United States President in 1924. News clippings and photographs also document his personal life and funeral in 1925.	⇧

Reel 1, Correspondence, 1879 February 22-1893 December 31

The correspondence from La Follette's early career is disappointingly fragmentary. The reel begins with an 1879 mortgage and several press opinions of his award-winning collegiate speech, “Iago.” The papers relating to his early legal career refer to his admission to the bar in 1880, and a letter from Robert Siebecker, his brother-in-law, mentions the establishment of their law partnership (1881, September 1). Only incomplete records of the civil cases handled by their partnership and La Follette's career as Dane County district attorney, 1881-1885, are included on this reel. Further information on his early legal practice may be found in Series 5: Financial Records and Series 6: Miscellaneous Volumes.
The correspondence covering La Follette's years in the House of Representatives, 1886-1891, is almost exclusively that of Samuel A. Harper, his law partner and political advisor. This correspondence, consisting chiefly of legal matters, also reflects Harper's own importance in the Republican party in Wisconsin. Several letters indicate Harper was La Follette's chief liaison with political leaders in the second district. The 1890 correspondence contains letters from constituents about La Follette's defeat in the Congressional election, and one from Harper to Horace Rublee, a prominent Wisconsin newspaperman, regarding the state party convention (1890, August 16). Among the few personal letters in the collection is one from Belle Case La Follette, discussing La Follette's defeat and plans for the future (1890, December 2). An earlier letter documents her participation in his career as secretary-advisor (1887, December 29).
Back in Wisconsin after his defeat, La Follette's letters deal with his law practice in the newly organized firm of La Follette, Harper, Roe, and Zimmerman. Several briefs are also included. In addition to his successful legal career, politics interested La Follette. This reel contains several letters relating to the “Sawyer bribery incident” of October, 1891. La Follette later called this the turning point of his career, for it revealed the manner in which large financial interests controlled state politics and set him upon a course of returning government to the people.

Reel 2, Correspondence, 1894 January 1-1895 January 31

In numerous references to the political climate of 1894, this reel documents La Follette's growing importance as the head of the reform faction of the Wisconsin Republican party. Among these are letters of Henry Casson, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House (1894, January 27), E.C. Wall of the Democratic central committee (September 10), and Nils Haugen, La Follette's candidate for the gubernatorial nomination in 1894 (June 15). Because he was head of the Wisconsin Republican League, Harper also received a portion of this political correspondence. Also there are personal letters from Assemblyman A. R. Hall, another member of the reform coalition, and Haugen (December 18, 22). La Follette's growing public reputation is revealed in his numerous invitations to speak. The real also contains a substantial amount of legal material, including correspondence and briefs.

Reel 3, Correspondence, 1895 February 1-October 31

Because 1895 was a political “off year,” the correspondence on this reel deals with legal matters. To his future biographer, A. O. Barton, La Follette wrote on September 2:

Since the close of my Congressional term, I have been steadily engaged in the practice of my profession. . . . I think I can say without exaggeration that I have been employed in all the . . . important litigation . . . in this section...

Harper, who handled most of this correspondence because La Follette was convalescing from a serious stomach illness, discussed plans for the National Convention of the Republican League with delegates Hall and Halford Erickson. During August plans began for the 1896 elections, and as a result the recuperated La Follette wrote Hall and Haugen frequently (August 6, 8). The first discussion of a newspaper to express the group's political views came on August 20.
Letters of a more personal nature refer to La Follette's diverse financial interests in a South Dakota ranch and an independent telephone company (August 31). In a letter to Harvey La Follette, La Follette commented upon the birth of Robert, Jr.: “The boy is all right. I think he will make a railroad president. I am going to bar him out of the law for sure” (October 20). His true opinion upon the railroad question is, no doubt, reflected in a copy of a petition which La Follette signed advocating an elected railroad commission with rate-making powers (February 23).

Reel 4, Correspondence, 1895 November 1-1896 June 30

Correspondence indicating increased activity in preparation for the 1896 election is continued on this reel. Although the correspondence chiefly consists of state matters, several letters reveal La Follette's position on the national scene. During this period he secured pledged delegates, including himself and ex-Governor William Hoard, for McKinley's cause at the Republican National Convention, and on January 29 he wrote McKinley that Spooner, Payne, and Babcock were not true supporters. George Bryant of the state Republican executive committee discussed state politics in detail (March 21), while plans for the Wisconsin Republican League convention concerned Harper.
During bouts with his recurrent illness, much of the legal correspondence was handled by Harper and Roe. Issues of concern to them included the circulation of nomination papers for Judge Siebecker (circa February) and the selection of as many “friends” as possible to the state convention (circa February). In several letters Roe set straight La Follette's Congressional record on the tariff (e.g. February 18).
Also on the reel are a McKinley autograph (December 10) and occasional references to the operation of La Follette's ranch.

Reel 5, Correspondence, 1896 July 1-December 15

This reel indicates that La Follette neglected his law practice for political concerns in 1896, for it contains substantial information on his unsuccessful attempt to win the gubernatorial nomination. Unfortunately the correspondence says little about either the events of the Republican convention at St. Louis or La Follette's subsequent decision to run for governor. There is, however, a great deal of correspondence indicating a favorable statewide response to his candidacy, including one letter from A. R. Hall (July 2). Following his failure to win the nomination, numerous people expressed their sympathy and presented evidence about the defection of La Follette-pledged delegates. Several letters indicated La Follette's growing national reputation (August 25), while others asked if he was a secret candidate for the Senate (August 25). La Follette replied:

Under existing circumstances I have felt . . . I ought not to announce myself as a candidate for the Senate. I have thought it best to say that I could not decide. There may be a change in the situation that will enable me to make a decision [August 25].

In another letter he indicated further plans:

The trouble is we poor fellows who have to make a living can only occasionally take a hand in politics. They keep at it all the while. We must perfect our organization and hold and strengthen the ground we have gained and be ready for the next opportune time for a party contest. If we have no money or leisure we must work harder and longer [August 25].

Although the Senate situation, no doubt, remained on his mind, La Follette stated that his primary interest in the elections was in securing the election of anti-caucus and convention legislators (September 7). J. O. Davidson wrote La Follette about the attacks being made upon A. R. Hall in the campaign (September 16). To further their political point of view, talk resumed among the reform coalition of organizing a newspaper (September 16).
Henry Favell, La Follette's partner in the Dakota ranch, wrote that he was anxious to get out of their unprofitable venture (August 28) . La Follette readily agreed, for he confessed that he was “under the harrow financially. . . . Obligations have driven me to the wall” (September 23). The partner also counseled him to be careful of his health, lest he again suffer nervous exhaustion from overwork (August 28).
After the 1896 campaign La Follette resumed his law practice (December 5), although his concern with political affairs continued. The Senate situation resolved itself when Spooner was renominated without opposition, but La Follette again became the subject of political gossip when he was mentioned for a cabinet position (November 10). Harper, however, stated that La Follette was not interested (December 5).

Reel 6, Correspondence, 1896 December 16-1897 March 31

Of more concern to La Follette than the indefinite rumors about his political future were his efforts to secure ex-Governor Hoard's appointment as Secretary of Agriculture. La Follette used his influence with McKinley to try to secure this appointment, and, with Harper, even visited the President-elect. Harper reported in detail to Haugen about their visit (February 5). Despite the number of endorsements which Hoard received, Payne and the Wisconsin machine held more influence with the President, and Hoard was not appointed.
This reel continues to reflect La Follette's prominence in electoral reform. His speech at the University of Chicago, February 22, 1897, attracted considerable national attention. Some of the political correspondence on the reel is concerned with using this speech to educate Wisconsin voters about the issues. La Follette also carried on a wide correspondence to gain further information on primary elections. He received a letter from a member of the Kentucky Republican party who felt the primary system only advanced machine interests (March 16), and a member of the Chicago Civic Federation commented on primary elections in that city (February 23). Railroad reform legislation also continued to interest Hall and La Follette (March 14), although Hall was sufficiently discouraged by his lack of success to desire retirement. Haugen also was discouraged by the group's lack of results, and asked to be relieved from his financial support of progressive ventures (February 25).

Reel 7, Correspondence, 1897 April 1-July 31

This reel, chiefly composed of legal material, also contains some political correspondence--both state and national. A letter from Harper to W. T. Lewis discusses the continuing rumors of La Follette's appointment to a federal position. Harper felt there was no significance in McKinley's offering the comptrollership of the Treasury to La Follette, except to indicate the President's regard (July 9) . Belle La Follette suggests in the biography of her husband, however, that this was an attempt by Payne to get La Follette out of Wisconsin.
The reform faction was also concerned with keeping up the group's spirit. Haugen wrote Hall to ask him not to make a decision about retirement, calling Hall the leader in the assembly, if not the entire legislature (May 13).

Reel 8, Correspondence, 1898 August 1-September 30

The La Follette faction realized that the cause of reform could only be successful through a full-time educational campaign undertaken primarily through a sense of civic duty. Thus, although 1897 was not an election year, their correspondence is concerned with arrangements for La Follette's speeches at county fairs and with taking advantage of the aroused public sentiment which frequently resulted (September 2, 7, 16).
La Follette was also involved in using his influence with McKinley to advance the interests of his friends. After a trip to Washington he wrote:

The President is anxious to care for his friends. The means of doing so is limited because of the Civil Service which he is determined to maintain and extend. . . . I think with cooperation we can care for some of our friends [August 11].

His interest in the cause of reform also extended beyond Wisconsin's borders. He sent reform speakers into other states (September 1, 10), discussed the difficulty that Chicago encountered in implementing electoral reforms (September 6), and showed interest in his brother's reports on railroad reform in South Dakota (September 8).
Regard for La Follette is expressed in a letter from reform clergyman Jenkin Lloyd Jones (September 9).

Reel 9, Correspondence, 1897 October 1-December 20

A November 6 letter suggests that La Follette saw the latter part of 1897 as a turning point in his career.

We are at the fork of the road where we should continue the fight for better government in this state . . . or get out of the field and attend to “private business!” At home I am urged to do the latter and as far as I am concerned will do so unless by a pull together we can have the essential support...

Apparently he was still undecided as to whether he would again be a candidate for public office. Nor was he alone, for other members of the coalition were experiencing the same doubts. Concerned about his legal career, Haugen wrote that he could not continue financial support of the progressive cause (November 12). Meanwhile Hoard's apparent disapproval of the plans for a progressive newspaper suggested that the project would be delayed (December 17).
In light of the later alliance between Isaac Stephenson and the progressives, the comments about him from Thomas Gill, president of the Wisconsin Central Lines, are interesting (October 31).

Reel 10, Correspondence, 1897 December 21-1898 February 15

The politics of the Senatorial election of 1898 which would affect alliances in 1900 formed a large concern for the progressives. Lewis Pratt warned La Follette to unite his group against the efforts to nominate Stephenson to the Senate (January 9). Indeed, the progressives found much to cheer them in the upcoming election. The prospects for nominating James O. Davidson as state treasurer were bright (February 3), and Haugen began to speak hopefully of renewing his public career (February 5).

Reel 11, Correspondence, 1898, February 16-May 15

Of both personal and political significance to La Follette was the sudden death of Sam Harper on March 19 which forced La Follette to devote himself almost exclusively to his law practice and curtail public speaking. Nevertheless, during this period he delivered his famous speech at Ann Arbor about the Australian ballot and began plans for the 1898 election. A letter from James A. Stone, a new member of the coalition, indicated that La Follette was under considerable pressure from all sides to declare whether he would run for governor again (May 9).

Reel 12, Correspondence, 1898 May 16-July 21

This reel describes the complexion of state politics in 1898 and the manner in which the La Follette coalition began to forge the “progressive machine” from an amalgam of conflicting interests. Evidently La Follette's power within the group was already quite strong, for he received numerous appeals to resolve local political difficulties. Haugen was concerned by the group's lack of funds and organization, despite its popular support (July 12).
A glimpse of La Follette's vanity and ego appears in the exchange with the publishers of his biographical sketch (June 29).

Reel 13, Correspondence, 1898 July 22-28

Reel 13 consists of the routine correspondence through which La Follette determined local political sentiment. The response to his questionnaires generally reflected favorable or uncertain prospects. Two letters which dealt with the character of his opposition are from George Popham, who reported that the state's wealthy were prepared to spend $400,000 to defeat him (July 23), and from La Follette's brother William, who discussed the South Dakota railroad officials' attack upon “the whole La Follette tribe” (July 26).

Reel 14, Correspondence, 1898 July 29-August 7

The correspondence on this reel further indicates the political climate of 1898. This correspondence generally stated that the people supported La Follette, but stressed the need for organization if their cause was to be successful. Unfortunately the outgoing circular letters which prompted the correspondence are missing. Clearly, however, some people did not perceive La Follette's struggle as one in behalf of principles: supporters occasionally wrote that some money would solidify his support. The organization of his “machine” also becomes more apparent on this reel, for it contains correspondence from La Follette's county file, which was being expanded to include voter lists for a statewide organization. (See also Series 4: Wisconsin Republican Party Records.)

Reel 15, Correspondence, 1898 August 8-September 10

La Follette's supporters increased their activities as the 1898 convention approached, and a voluminous correspondence with the headquarters, managed by Hall, Roe, and Alfred T. Rogers, reported the results of town and county conventions. One correspondent expressed an opposing view: he charged La Follette had waged a “dirty war” against Governor Scofield (August 8).
There is little in the correspondence which bears directly upon the events of the 1898 convention. Despite his failure to win nomination, La Follette received many congratulations and assurances of continued support. One such letter urged him to enter the race as a third-party candidate (August 18). Occasional incoming letters to Rogers included statements of campaign expenditures. Later La Follette stated that the anti-machine faction was cheered by the events of the convention, for Davidson was nominated as state treasurer and anti-pass, anti-lobby, and anti-caucus and convention planks were adopted.
Of a more personal nature are the letters from Belle to La Follette, in which she urged him to rest before resuming the campaign and criticized a letter which he, Murphy, and Hall had prepared to send to La Follette's supporters (August 22, 28). A letter to his partner in the Dakota ranch refers to Follette's difficult financial situation (August 27). This period also saw some changes in his law practice, for Roe contemplated a move to New York (September 2).

Reel 16, Correspondence, 1898 September 11-November 15

This reel contains correspondence bearing upon La Follette's campaigning for the Republican ticket. Although the original documents are missing, La Follette sent circular letters to his supporters, urging them to continue working for the cause of reform. The responses frequently expressed optimism about the future. A. P. Stickney wrote, “Temporary defeat often results in a more lasting victory than one which is too easily achieved” (October 1). La Follette was also cheered by the re-election of Hall (October 7) and by assurances that he would win strong support from the state's large Norwegian population (October 19).
The recurrence of La Follette's stomach ailment, however, halted active participation in the Republican campaign. Thus the remainder of Reel 16 consists of legal correspondence handled by Crawford Harper, Roe, and Rogers.

Reel 17, Correspondence, 1898 November 16-1899 February 28

Roe's letters indicate that La Follette was at first so ill that his physician had forbidden even reading his mail to him. By January La Follette had recovered sufficiently to make a trip to California to recuperate. In the meantime Rogers, Harper, and Roe were so busy with legal matters that they had little time for politics (February 17), although a few political letters are present. Several concern a meeting of party leaders held by the anti-machine faction to decide upon mutually agreeable appointment recommendations (December 15, 20, 27). Correspondence about initiative and referendum and antitrust laws is also included (December 28).

Reel 18, Correspondence, 1899 March 1-June 30

This reel indicates La Follette's growing importance as a state and national political figure. Although he continued to practice law, it appears that La Follette had become a public man. Glimpses of La Follette as the reform leader are frequent on this reel. A large portion of the correspondence deals with reform of the caucus system, which he declared was “inherently bad” (May 12). Many correspondents looked to him as the spokesman for electoral reform, and they wrote to voice support and ask for further information (March 16, 21, April 4). Several letters refer to his particular interest in reforming the Wisconsin legislature. One from Harper stated that the legislature had “covered itself with glory while doing nothing” (March 3). Anti-pass legislation was the subject of letters of March 3 and May 25 from Harper and Rogers, and a letter of May 25 documents La Follette's early anti-railroad sentiments. La Follette's image of himself as a reformer appears in a comment that he had returned restored in health, “as mean as ever and ready to resume the fight” (May 6).
Several letters refer to national politics. Hoard urged La Follette to support David Henderson of Iowa for Speaker of the House (May 22). La Follette made repeated, although vague, denials of his own national political aspirations, but many of his letters stated that it was time for an expansion of Wisconsin politics into the national arena (June 10).
La Follette also received frequent offers of help. One man wanted to launch a reform newspaper, while a traveling salesman offered to stump for La Follette on the job (May 25, 29). Scattered letters on the reel relate to patronage matters. Other letters sought La Follette as a public speaker. One Norwegian group invited him, saying he was “closer to the sons of Norway than any other man outside their nationality” (April 11).
A letter to McKinley documents La Follette's position on the woman's suffrage movement (May 6).

Reel 19, Correspondence, 1899 July 1-November 30

The backlog of legal matters associated with his six-month absence and Roe's departure for New York, forced La Follette to neglect political activities. Doubtless the press of litigation provided him with an excuse to postpone a declaration of his intentions (August 25). His mail, nevertheless, dealt with political matters. Numerous office seekers asked him for recommendations. In one such letter La Follette urged Congressman Herman Dahle to “lay down on them good and hard” to get a supporter appointed to federal office (July 21) . Other letters included advice on various matters. James Stone counseled him against carrying on the fight alone and urged the coalition to work together on the legislative elections (August 6). La Follette was also concerned by the financial difficulties of The State, the anti-machine newspaper (circa October).

Reel 20, Correspondence, 1899 December 1-1900 February 29

La Follette began 1900 overwhelmed by legal matters. He joked that while it was “quite a while since [he] had said anything to stir the animals up,” he was too busy for such a thing (January 6). Later he wrote to Hoard:

I have been working very hard in my profession and have little or no time to think out political plans. Several friends have visited me from different parts of the state to urge this or that, but as yet nothing has been rounded out. I am ready to do whatever it is agreed should be done [February 8].

He also mentioned to Haugen the meeting of the state central committee which had brought callers to his office (February 15), but there is no indication that they affected his decision to run for governor a third time. No doubt a strong factor in his eventual declaration was the many reports he received about how greatly changed the political situation was since 1898.
A letter of February 28 indicates that La Follette further diversified his financial interests through investment in a mine with Rogers, Gill, and Crawford Harper.

Reel 21, Correspondence, 1900 March 1-May 16

Although La Follette was not yet a declared candidate, the correspondence indicates his supporters were confident of success. La Follette's own optimism, was more guarded. “Is it possible that the sowing of 6 or 8 years is at last ripening for the harvest?” he asked Hall on March 23. With amazement he wrote:

Many things are happening which make it seem that our opponents cannot repeat. Many of their allies have deserted them. They are discouraged and divided [May 11].

I cannot tell you how changed the situation seems to be. It is simply marvelous and I cannot account for it [May 11].

The general preconvention situation and the stalwarts' loss of influence is dealt with in letters to progressive leaders H.E. McEacheron and C.C. McGee (March 5, 12). On the other hand, Hoard expressed an opposing view and discouraged La Follette from running a third time (April 3).
Apparently La Follette was unwilling to announce his candidacy until he had thoroughly investigated the situation, for, in a last effort to divide his support, the stalwarts had put forward several local candidates for governor. He asked Roe to pump Babcock and Casson about the stalwarts' plans (March 21), and requested George Miller to determine the support for his opponents (March 22). Form letters were sent to inquire about local political sentiment and to solicit voter lists. Evidently the stalwarts were also investigating La Follette, for La Follette discovered that his mail was being opened (March 16, 18, 23, 29).

Reel 22, Correspondence, 1900 May 17-23

Letters written in response to La Follette's circular letters make up this reel. In general these replies indicated a favorable local situation and pledged continued support.
This and following reels are disappointing in their revelations about policy formation during the 1900 campaign. There is little indication of the decisions or methods whereby the organization launched a campaign of conciliation toward the stalwart faction. In one letter La Follette wrote:

Without giving up principle, I feel it is right to work for unity and harmony in the party. It seems the situation has changed and that people . . . have learned to understand that we are not radical or unfair in our demands and they are inclined to trust us [May 18].

Reel 23, Correspondence, 1900 May 24-28

The voluminous correspondence with local supporters continues on this reel. There was concern that the caucuses be fully attended, and remarks to Haugen (May 25) indicate La Follette was not entirely confident about the election prospects. Yet publicly he radiated assurance. One letter indicates that his appointment policy was already being considered. Although he stated his appointments would be unbiased, “guided only by public service,” he wrote that he would not forget his friends (May 25).

Reel 24, Correspondence, 1900 May 29-June 1

Correspondence with local supporters to gather voter lists and sample political sentiment continues on this reel.

Reel 25, Correspondence, 1900 June 2-6

Reel 25 consists of routine campaign correspondence. It was rumored at the time that the alliance between La Follette and Babcock came about through a common desire to oust Senator Spooner, who was popular with the voters although he was a machine politician. There is no evidence in the collection to support this, save a letter from Babcock stating that La Follette would be elected regardless of his support for Spooner (June 2).

Reel 26, Correspondence, 1900 June 7-11

This reel consists of routine campaign correspondence.

Reel 27, Correspondence, 1900 June 12-14

This reel consists of routine campaign correspondence.

Reel 28, Correspondence, 1900 June 15-19

This reel consists of routine campaign correspondence.

Reel 29, Correspondence, 1900 June 20-25

In addition to the routine correspondence on this reel, La Follette replied to the charges which were made against him: the old Bennett law issue, his opposition to Scofield and his alleged unfriendliness to Civil War veterans. Explanation of his “harmony campaign” came in response to charges of demagoguery made against one of his backers.

In the attaining of any sought for object, men often have to touch with others who are in the fight not for the same end, and with whom they are not in the closest sympathy [circa June].

Strategy for the local caucuses and conventions is referred to in several letters, and throughout the correspondence the feeling of confidence about the future pervades.

Reel 30, Correspondence, 1900 June 26-31

As success in the election became more certain, La Follette's correspondents grew impatient for the fruits of victory. La Follette was still apprehensive, although the incoming correspondence indicated solid La Follette delegations had been elected to the state convention. In a candid moment he indicated anxiety about “weak-kneed, susceptible, unpledged delegates” (June 28).

Reel 31, Correspondence, 1900 July 1-9

La Follette's supporters were elated as the other gubernatorial candidates gradually withdrew from the race. “It looks now as though anybody who wants to get a front seat will have to get into the wagon pretty soon,” A. G. Zimmerman wrote on July 2. This routine campaign correspondence from the closing days of the campaign before the convention constitutes the majority of Reel 31.

Reel 32, Correspondence, 1900 July 10-25

Before launching his campaign La Follette spent time arranging his business affairs. Already the political demands upon him were great, and he received numerous speaking invitations and friends, such as Richard T. Ely (July 7), frequently stopped at his office to advise and congratulate him.
Although his correspondents were confident of success in November, La Follette was aware that there were problems ahead. Several letters indicate that he feared delegates were being elected who secretly opposed him. He wrote to Roe about his apprehensions over patronage.

I fully realize the hard things which will confront me in the next year. Our boys have been on the outside so long and worked so hard and faithfully that there will be a little army to take care of . . . It will be a severe test of their real friendship for me, and possibly in some instances will strain the bond to the breaking point [July 12].

Reel 33, Correspondence, 1900 July 26-August 15

Reel 33 largely consists of congratulations upon La Follette's nomination for governor. However there is little in the La Follette Papers which bears directly upon the convention. This reel does include draft copies of the platform and various vote tabulations. Richard T. Ely was one of the persons who wrote La Follette about his victory. “It seems to me that your experience shows the wisdom of acting through a great party rather than attempting to accomplish one's end outside . . .” (August 9). Issues and politics also concerned his correspondents: a Minnesota representative sent a copy of that state's primary law, calling it the “most advanced of any like enactment” (August 9), and an exchange with Babcock bears upon the charges of a “Bab-Bob agreement” (August 10). Haugen asked for assistance in the campaign for Hall's re-election, which was crucial to the success of the regulatory movement (August 11), and in a letter reflecting greater response to personalities than issues, Amos Wilder offered the services of the Wisconsin State Journal to party chairman Bryant (August 10).
La Follette also received a descriptive letter about conditions in Nome, Alaska, from George Borchsenius, a former member of the coalition (August 13).

Reel 34, Correspondence, 1900 August 16-September 10

As La Follette organized for the final campaign effort, he spoke of his confidence in the primary election law as “the solution to the whole problem of politics” (August 17). Such statements had already won him prominence in the national reform movement which was attested to by numerous requests for information from out of state. Yet despite his reputation, La Follette turned to Roe to prepare the case for the primary law to use in campaigning, while he concentrated upon research on national issues, particularly the Philippine question (September 7).
This reel also contains a type of mail which would later become a deluge--applications from job seekers. Of interest to the biographer is La Follette's order of physical culture material (September 10).

Reel 35, Correspondence, 1900 September 11-October 23

The subjects touched on in this reel are numerous. On September 11 Roe complimented La Follette as the foremost authority on the primary law and discussed progress on the opening campaign speech. A letter to Ohio shows that La Follette was continuing to secure information on the subject (September 24). La Follette also did his homework on national political issues, and after his opening campaign speech, Frear complimented his treatment of the Philippine question (September 20). La Follette supported Haugen's efforts to re-elect Hall, and went on to comment in a letter of September 12 that he believed the railroad interests would attempt to control the legislature. More concerned about the present problems were letters to Bryant regarding the strategy to win the German vote (October 1) and comments on a speech made by Quarles (October 13). On the other hand, Hoard, now an elder statesman of the party, was disillusioned by the campaign of 1900. “Politics to me are becoming more and more repulsive every day. I see nothing in it but constant turmoil and vexation of the spirit” (September 20).
La Follette was absent from his office during most of this period in the campaign, and the bulk of the reel is composed of routine correspondence which was answered by Rogers, Miller, and Zimmerman.

Reel 36, Correspondence, 1900 October 24-November 23

Although La Follette won a record victory in the election, his health gave out as a result of the vigorous campaign he had waged. Despite his absence from Madison to recuperate, his political friends continued preparations for the coming legislative session. Through an investigation of state primary laws, they discovered variations in the laws' scope and effectiveness. In Ohio they found a difference in the urban and rural results (November 16), while in Nebraska they found a purely voluntary system (November 23). A letter from Florida indicated a desire to implement the primary election law there to eliminate the strong, “offensive” influence of the nonvoting black population in the Republican party (November 22).

Reel 37, Correspondence, 1900 November 24-December 9

Further information on the investigation of primary laws appears on this reel. A few states reported that such laws were in effect only locally, although the majority replied that a bill of statewide effectiveness was to be introduced soon. The Virginia law, one observer stated, was introduced primarily to harass a relatively uncorrupt legislature (November 26). Utah's noncompulsory law, on the other hand, was not in effect (November 26). Other states, including Texas, South Carolina, Montana, and California, also replied (November 24-30, December 4).
The governor-elect was already besieged with job applications and recommendations. One of the top prizes was the oil inspectorship; Hall advised him to read Henry Demarest Lloyd's Wealth Against Commonwealth before making that appointment (November 24).

Reel 38, Correspondence, 1900 December 10-25

La Follette began preparation for the coming legislature during December, but office seekers often interrupted his work (December 17). The demands eventually became so great that La Follette announced no appointments would be made until after his inauguration.
Several letters relate to his investigation of legislative matters other than the primary election law. Reports from the University and the attorney general's office answered the governor's inquiries about legislative needs (December 12, 18, 22). Taxation was also a major concern. Thomas Gill reported to him on weaknesses in the tax commission of 1898 (December 10), and La Follette wrote to California about taxation of mortgages (December 19). The most important legislative concern remained the primary election laws. Crucial to understanding La Follette as the politician-reformer is the letter to F. H. Magdeberg in which La Follette explained he had strategically postponed railroad reform in order to concentrate upon passage of the election bill (December 24).

Reel 39, Correspondence, 1900 December 26-1901 January 3

Despite his protests, job requests deluged La Follette while he was engaged in drafting legislation. Investigatory letters were sent out concerning legislation for urban reform (December 26, January 3) and difficulties in drafting the primary election bill (January 2). But at the same time La Follette was drafting these bills, he heard rumors that the state senate would be organized to oppose them. A letter about this went to H.F. Hagemeister, who later authored the conservative election bill (January 2).
Plans for the inauguration also were under way. La Follette insisted that the festivities be open to all (January 2).

Reel 40, Correspondence, 1901 January 4-24

Following his inauguration the new governor's official correspondence consisted chiefly of recommendations, job applications, and congratulations on his message to the legislature. To the job solicitors, La Follette replied that appointments would be postponed. One of his acknowledgments went to the stalwart leader, Charles Pfister (January 5). He received numerous requests for copies of his message, including one from Ely and several from out of state (January 10, 15). This reel also contains correspondence to George Taylor, secretary of the state board of immigration, about the settlement of northern Wisconsin (January 7-10).

Reel 41, Correspondence, 1901 January 25-February 14

Correspondence on this reel comes from supporters who felt their past efforts entitled them to jobs with the government. The reel also includes information on the more important legislative matters--the primary election bill and the equalization of taxation. Although Jerre Murphy felt there was widespread voter support of the Stevens primary election bill, opposition was to be expected, he said, before some kind of primary bill would be passed (February 11). Several letters indicate La Follette's interest in similar legislation in other states. A Missouri legislator sent him a copy of a bill for perusal (February 8), while another correspondent discussed Minnesota legislation (January 26). The evolution of the conservative election bill written by Assemblyman Hagemeister is also dealt with in several letters. On February 12 Hagemeister protested that La Follette misunderstood the intention of his bill. Other legislative interests are reflected by Hoard, who suggested that agricultural education be offered in secondary schools (February 8).
Several letters relate to national reform issues--trusts, immigration, interstate commerce, and tariff revision. One manufacturer discussed the efforts of the cream-of-tartar trust to pass pure food and drug legislation (February 5). The progressives' interest in revenue reduction is discussed by Babcock in a letter about the introduction of his controversial bill (February 13). James Freeman, United States consul in Copenhagen, urged La Follette to set up a board of immigration to encourage Finnish immigration (January 28). La Follette also received a letter from Chapin, a representative of Milwaukee shipping interests that were active in the movement to amend the Interstate Commerce Act (February 12).

Reel 42, Correspondence, 1901 February 15-March 11

Reel 42 documents the increasingly hostile opposition to the Stevens bill. This became more obvious after the sudden sale of the Milwaukee Sentinel and its emergence as a voice of the Payne-Pfister faction. Although a letter from Quarles' law firm suggested that it was not certain at first that the paper would be hostile to the administration, it soon became clear that the progressives would need their own statewide newspaper if their beliefs were to reach the people (February 16). Hence the Milwaukee Free Press was born. The reel contains information on the founding of the paper and its financial backing by Stephenson and J. H. Stout (February 21).
Also on the reel is a letter concerning the progress of Babcock's revenue reduction bill and the cession of some federal lands to Wisconsin (February 28).

Reel 43, Correspondence, 1901 March 12-April 19

In addition to the routine constituent correspondence, this reel contains documents pertaining to the primary election bill. The machine killed the Stevens bill and passed the conservative election bill, but La Follette refused to surrender his principles, and he vetoed it. The constituent correspondence applauded his decision.
Several letters, principally those from Isaac Stephenson and Theodore Kronshage, relate to the history of the Milwaukee Free Press (April 13, March 27). Information on La Follette's racial attitudes can be gained from a letter from a Kansas newspaper (April 1).

Reel 44, Correspondence, 1901 April 20-May 23

Perhaps there was less concern over railroad reform than over electoral reform, for there is little material on the Hall and Whitehead railroad bills, both of which were ultimately defeated.
In addition to the routine correspondence, the reel contains letters on the settlement of northern Wisconsin (April 23), Milwaukee street railroads (April 23), and a prize fight in Oshkosh (May 17). The undated correspondence for April contains constituent correspondence supporting La Follette's veto of the Hagemeister bill. Several letters discuss the continued financial difficulties of the Free Press (May 11, 14, 16, 20). Among the voluminous correspondence concerned with patronage matters are several endorsing women.

Reel 45, Correspondence, 1901 May 24-June 30

After the legislature adjourned, administration absorbed La Follette's interest, and he finally appointed the lesser state officials, although he could not satisfy all his friends (June 6). His mail also brought information on various constituent concerns. Many groups wanted him as a speaker, while others notified him of legislative needs such as abuses at the soldiers' home (June 5) and the prevalence of smallpox in lumber camps (June 10). One constituent thanked him for his efforts on behalf of the poor “no matter what the complexion of their skin” (June 14).
Although the reel contains a draft of the formal announcement of the Milwaukee Free Press and a statement of its editorial principles (June 12), the finances of the paper continued to be a problem. Theodore Kronshage wrote that additional funds would be necessary if the venture was to get off the ground (June 14).

Reel 46, Correspondence, 1901 July 1-September 30

During the legislative recess the governor's correspondence declined in volume. A substantial portion of his routine office mail dealt with appointments to the board of medical examiners, and some of these refer to the recent recognition of the osteopathic school. Also relating to the state's concern for public health is a report of the smallpox epidemic in the lumber camps (July 3) and constituent criticism of his veto of a vaccination bill (July 3, August 15).
The attitude of the state's local newspapers concerned La Follette, because the stalwarts were attempting to buy press support (August 19, 22). At the same time the financial difficulty of the Free Press hampered the expression of the progressives' views (July 2). Apparently La Follette was in no position to help, for he was experiencing financial problems (August 15, 25, 30), and plans to supplement his income with speaking engagements were halted by a recurrence of his old illness (August 7).

Reel 47, Correspondence, 1901 October 1-December 20

The correspondence on Reel 47 deals with many subjects of interest to La Follette's constituents. As usual most wanted jobs, but also of concern were pardons and game wardens (November 2, 16). A. R. Hall was concerned about swindles in oil inspection (October 10), and Robert Eliot, a gubernatorial adviser on railroad matters, corrected La Follette on an erroneous statement (November 9). La Follette wrote to Stephenson to arrange a meeting about the Free Press (October 1).

Reel 48, Correspondence, 1901 December 21-1902 January 24

Because of La Follette's ill health, the success of the 1902 campaign hinged upon the support of the press. The dire financial straits of the Free Press was a particular worry. Stephenson complained that he was tired of being forced to bear the financial burden and that he had reached the limits of his willingness to contribute (January 13, 17). Party committeeman Dwight Parker was worried by the stalwarts' attempts to bribe local newspapers (January 6, 24). The organization of the campaign proceeded, nevertheless, through the collection of voter lists and preparation for a statewide opinion canvas using the Free Press (January 3, 23).
In addition to endorsements, the 1901 undated correspondence contains statistics on school tax assessments by county, an opinion on an anti-lobby law, handwritten letters from Rogers to La Follette, and a large section of office memoranda.

Reel 49, Correspondence, 1902 January 25-March 9

This correspondence documents both progressive and stalwart strategy as the convention approached. Reports on local political situations and the control of the newspapers appear throughout the reel. While La Follette and Stephenson continued to argue over the financial support of the Free Press (January 25, 30), several journalists reported attempts to purchase their newspapers (February 22, March 7, 9). Many editors, however, were not so principled, and editor A. Huegin suggested that the Press's circulation should be extended as a counterforce (February 24). The stalwarts, organized as the Eleventh Story League, used federal appointees and encouraged division between progressives. Perhaps the most damaging of these schisms was the split between La Follette and Congressman Herman Dahle (February 21, 26). The progressives, however, were not above using devious strategy, for Hall, Eliot, and Stone urged the necessity of a special session for political reasons (February 6, 11, 25, March 5). The reel also contains numerous appointment requests, including one for a female candidate for normal school regent (January 31).

Reel 50, Correspondence, 1902 March 10-April 30

Reel 50 is largely composed of routine campaign correspondence, the majority of which is addressed to Alf Rogers. These letters contain reports on local political sentiment, policy, strategy suggestions, and rumors about local leaders. They indicate the fierce interest the La Follette forces took in political matters on the local level.
A letter of April 29 discusses commercial opportunities in the Philippines.

Reel 51, Correspondence, 1902 May 1-25

The majority of Reel 51 is composed of routine preconvention office correspondence, although several letters refer to the Wisconsin political situation in the national context. These letters mention Babcock (May 19), La Follette's break with Herman Dahle (May 8), and Roosevelt's favoritism of the Payne-Spooner faction of the Wisconsin Republicans (May 26).

Reel 52, Correspondence, 1902 May 26-June 8

This reel is composed of routine preconvention office correspondence received in response to form letters sent by Crawford Harper (May 29, June 4, 6). A letter from H. circa Cochems noted that Stephenson was the only available source of financial aid to the progressive faction (June 4). The state's agent in the adjudication of the Civil War claims case reported (June 2), a Michigan legislator expressed interest in the primary election law legislation (June 3), and the Cuban-American League sent a circular letter (June 4).

Reel 53, Correspondence, 1902 June 9-24

Routine correspondence, including a letter from Rogers about campaign publicity (June 13) and a circular letter written by Harper about the La Follette-Dahle split (June 13), make up this reel.

Reel 54, Correspondence, 1902 June 25-July 6

In addition to the routine campaign correspondence on this reel, there are letters from Stephenson, who spoke hopefully about restoring party harmony, from the Wisconsin Sugar Manufacturing Company (July 1), and from the National Prison Association (July 1).

Reel 55, Correspondence, 1902 July 7-August 12

Campaign correspondence continues on this reel. Among the letters La Follette's headquarters received is one from Hall requesting adoption of a railroad reform bill (July 11). Walter Corrigan asked about mortgage taxation (August 1), and John Strange warned La Follette not to accept contributions from Pfister (August 10). On August 2 La Follette frankly expressed his views on Spooner's retirement.

Reel 56, Correspondence, 1902 August 13-September 30

The routine campaign correspondence on Reel 56 includes comments upon national issues, primary election laws, and taxation. Stone was one of the people who wrote about the scandal involving the sale of textbooks (September 18, 27), and Lenroot kept La Follette informed on the progress of Quarles' campaign (September 27).

Reel 57, Correspondence, 1902 October 1-November 5

La Follette's correspondents indicated that he would be overwhelmingly re-elected; many supporters described the favorable reaction which his speeches received. Letters on this reel also comment on mortgage legislation (October 25), divorce laws (October 29), Emil Seidel, the Social Democratic candidate for governor (October 21), and a railroadmen's political organization (October 20).

Reel 58, Correspondence, 1902 November 6-December 9

After his re-election La Follette received a deluge of congratulatory letters. A number of these came from out of state, indicating that the nation was informed on the course of political reform in Wisconsin. The reel also includes returns from several districts which were sent to Rogers. Other letters include Charles McCarthy's circular letter concerning the services of the nation's first legislative reference library (November 10), responses to La Follette's concern with establishing a juvenile court in Milwaukee (November 11), a letter from E. A. Birge to Breese Stevens about the financial needs of the university (November 13), and the relations of La Follette with the Wisconsin Federation of Labor (November 10). Several letters, including one from Hall (November 11) and one from John R. Commons (November 25), deal with the railroad issue. Patronage appointments continued to be the chief concern of many of La Follette's correspondents.

Reel 59, Correspondence, 1902 December 10-31

Immediately after re-election La Follette began work on the legislation for the 1903 session. Although a letter from Hagemeister (December 26) indicates the continued importance of the election law, the questions of taxation and railroad reform also appear to be of considerable interest to the governor. Hall, who had supported railroad regulation for years, suddenly found La Follette adopting the issue as part of his reform program (December 16, 22). Eliot, also long active in the movement to regulate the railroads, convinced La Follette of the advantages of an ad valorem system of taxation over license fees (December 23). Frank Campbell, a member of the Iowa railroad commission and the Interstate Commerce Commission, contributed his expert knowledge of railroad matters (December 31). Although his reasons differed from the above regulators, the vice-president of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad expressed the railroads' desire to end the hated rebate system (December 31). A summary of the rebates paid by his line is included with the December 31 correspondence. Further information on rate discrimination is included in a letter from the state adjutant's office (December 24). Despite these evidences of support for his expanded reform platform, reports of difficulty in organizing the legislature under Lenroot indicated to La Follette there would be difficulty in passing these reform measures (December 22).
At the end of the year state agencies reported their financial needs to the governor. Those included are the board of control (December 11), the treasurer's office (December 22), the free library commission (December 22), and the normal schools (December 22). Other matters of interest include: pardons (December 21), a state tuberculosis hospital (December 21), the St. Louis Exposition (December 17), the Boys' and Girls' National Curfew Association (December 17), the Boer War (December 19), and, as usual, patronage. In the undated material for 1902 are drafts of a primary bill and the Civil War claims brief, campaign documents, and unidentified newspaper enclosures.

Reel 60, Correspondence, 1903 January 1-February 10

Papers relating to preparation for the 1903 legislature continue on Reel 60. La Follette received replies to his queries about the legislative needs of various state agencies--the department of labor and industry (January 10), the superintendent of public property (January 3), the department of fish and game protection (January 9), the department of agriculture (January 10), and the dairy and food commission. Kirby Thomas and Halford Erickson of the bureau of statistics supervised the research on comparative rates in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin which La Follette used in his special message to the legislature on railroad regulation on January 28 (January 8, 9, 19). La Follette's support of railroad reform received endorsements from Eliot, August Bacon, George Johnson--the Milwaukee supporters of Interstate Commerce Commission revision (January 15, 23, 27)--from F. B. Tait of Illinois (January 20), and from Albert Cummins of Iowa (February 10). Not all the mail was favorable. One letter mentioned the manufacturers' concern that the proposed termination of commodity rates would mean high prices (January 20). The governor's support of industrial training for prisoners caused a correspondence with Samuel Gompers, who stated that the American Federation of Labor would endorse convict labor if it did not compete on the free labor market (January 17, February 3).

Reel 61, Correspondence, 1903 February 11-April 3

Documentation of the battle for primary election laws and railroad taxation is disappointing. However, a few interesting letters on the subjects are to be found in the routine administrative correspondence. These came from the Milwaukee shippers, Johnson (February 17, April 23), Eliot (March 6, 7, 21), Bacon (March 19, 31), and Hall (March 25), and other constituents (April 17, 25, 27) . From New York City Roe suggested strategy to aid in the passage of this legislation (March 4). Banker Charles Ilsley wrote about tax exemption for credits (March 14, 18), and Hall and the attorney general were concerned about state employees (February 11, 16). Of more general interest are comments on the black man's view of La Follette (March 8) and information on the Hazel Green mine (February 20).

Reel 62, Correspondence, 1903 April, undated-June 5

The contest over railroad reform is only one of several subjects on this reel. During the course of the legislative debate La Follette received information and opinions on the subject from tax commissioner Gilson (May 6), Bacon (May 1, 5), Eliot (May 29, June 2, 4), and Lenroot (before June). Mayor Rose of Milwaukee discussed municipal bonds, and Herman Ekern wrote about public land policy (May 16). Other letters concern the immigration of Jews and blacks into Wisconsin (June 2, 4), dissatisfaction with the United States' treatment of the Philippines (May 14), woman's suffrage (May 19), legislative lobbyists (before June) and brewery licenses (May 18).

Reel 63, Correspondence, 1903 June 6-August 31

After the legislature adjourned, administrative duties concerned La Follette. During this time H.S. Comstock successfully closed the Civil War claims case (June 8), and several correspondents alerted La Follette to action needed to improve conditions in the state hospitals and prisons (July 28). Although President Roosevelt's visit to the state took place during the period, there is no mention of its political significance (June 15). It was at this time that reporter Ralph MacKenzie began what became an extensive correspondence to keep La Follette informed of news from Washington. One letter, for example, mentioned Babcock, control of the Wisconsin Republican party, and La Follette's political future (June 27) . Other letters dealing with politics mentioned rumors of the intraparty split (July 14), La Follette's prospects for re-election (July 8), and the possibility of Hall as a gubernatorial candidate (August 16). No doubt La Follette viewed the numerous speaking invitations he received for county fairs and high schools as campaign speeches. This sort of free campaigning was necessary for the progressives, for as Stephenson complained, the Free Press would have to improve financially if it was to be of assistance in the 1904 campaign (June 27).
There are also letters from Clara Barton asking La Follette to serve on the Red Cross advisory board (June 8), from Murphy on his retirement to Montana (June 11), from Ely about the Wisconsin Settlement Association (August 25), and from Van Hise on an investigation of the university (June 16).

Reel 64, Correspondence, 1903 September 1-November 10

In addition to routine matters, the coming election concerned La Follette. Beginning his campaign early at county fairs, he used a statistical approach effectively to point out the relationship of each community to the issues (September 5). La Follette also wanted a legislature which favored railroad reform legislation (November 7). Thus the strong opposition to the campaign by his old supporters, Frear and Lenroot, was of especial concern to him (September 17, November 6). Several letters reflect La Follette's national reputation: a California legislator requested information on railroad taxation (October 27), and Bryant reported rumors from New York which called La Follette an anarchist and a populist (September 9). Several letters relate to state administration: the St. Louis Fair (October 6), Civil War debts (October 30), and the Vicksburg Battlefield Commission. Of broader interest is a second letter from Clara Barton (September 9) and one from the American Baking Powder Association concerning the baking powder trust (September 8).

Reel 65, Correspondence, 1903 November 11-1903 undated

La Follette's correspondence reflects a greater interest in administrative matters than politics at the end of 1903. Issues discussed included appointments to the board of regents (November 12), the launching of the U.S.S. Wisconsin (November 12), and the National Municipal League (November 21). Several letters mention political rumors: the possibilities of Baensch's gubernatorial candidacy and La Follette's election to the Senate (December 19). The 1903 undated correspondence includes materials on state labor organizations and several unidentified speeches.

Reel 66, Correspondence, 1903 undated (continued)-1904 January 31

The 1903 undated correspondence continues on Reel 66. Included are letters from Erickson, Stephenson, Haugen, former Governor Taylor, statistics on the cost of living, and a draft of the 1903 tax commission report.
The year 1904 brought a renewed concern with politics and the issue of railroad reform. Letters voicing opinion and support came from Eliot (January 6, 23), a lumberman's association (January 1), and the attorney general (January 21). Throughout the month Bryant and La Follette received voter lists, and Lenroot (January 22), Frear (January 31), and MacKenzie (January 31) commented upon the political outlook and made suggestions for the campaign. Other letters mention the Philippines and Panama (January 14, 16), Negro rights (January 15), and an invitation from Roe to address a New York reform group (January 21).

Reel 67, Correspondence, 1904 February 1-March 17

Not only was there serious illness in La Follette's family in 1904 (February 26), but at the same time the stalwarts launched an all-out attack to defeat him. In races for national-level offices and in numerous local contests, such as the hard-fought third district, the progressives met strong opposition. Numerous letters refer to Babcock's leadership of the stalwarts in these contests. circa D. Nelson, Hoard, and Herbert Chynoweth were in charge of the collection of voter lists and publicity for this election. Other letters refer to violations of the anti-pass law (February 5, 6, 10), the architecture of the new capitol (February 23), the St. Louis World's Fair (February 4, 27), land policies (February 3), and a report on the investigation of the railroad commission (March 2).

Reel 68, Correspondence, 1904 March 18-April 3

As the nominating convention approached, campaign matters dominated La Follette's correspondence. The majority of the correspondence is addressed to Hoard and Chynoweth in response to their form letters. In addition to La Follette's renomination, many correspondents were concerned about Judge James Kerwin's campaign, which was considered an early test of La Follette support. The majority of the letters reported mixed sentiments about La Follette's prospects and urged that early conventions were necessary for success. Letters to Haugen and Gittings discussed overtures made to Norwegian and German ethnic groups (March 29), and an undated letter disclosed La Follette's own views about campaign strategy (circaMarch). One disillusioned political worker confided to Hoard that most people did not understand the complexities of the railroad regulation issue (April 1).

Reel 69, Correspondence, 1904 April 4-10

This reel consists of routine campaign correspondence addressed to Hoard and Chynoweth. The report of the railroad commission's investigation of the railroad companies' financial records is included (April 9).

Reel 70, Correspondence, 1904 April 11-22

In addition to routine campaign correspondence addressed to Hoard and Chynoweth, some letters of individual interest are included on Reel 70. MacKenzie wrote several lengthy and informative letters to La Follette on national politics. The Wisconsin progressives lost to Babcock in the Third District, but reports of Kerwin's election and an early convention date suggested they would be successful in the general election. This reel also contains further information on the railroad commission's investigation (April 14).

Reel 71, Correspondence, 1904 April 23-May 18

La Follette's headquarters received many reports on the final stages of the campaign in the local caucuses and conventions. Several state party leaders had reports or suggestions to make. Johnson asked that the party platform include a resolution for a rate-making railroad commission (May 9) ; Bacon discussed Quarles' work on the Interstate Commerce Act revision (May 5) ; and Eliot wrote about the effect of discriminatory rates upon Milwaukee commerce (April 25).
A clipping from the Milwaukee Sentinel documents early rumors that the stalwarts would bolt the convention and nominate their own ticket (May 9).
Also on the reel is a letter from the Immigration Restriction League (circa May), and letters about La Follette's reputation in the West and among unionized labor (May 15, 18).

Reel 72, Correspondence, 1904 May 19-June 21

Immediately following his renomination by the rump “Gymnasium Convention,” La Follette began collecting evidence to substantiate the legality of the ticket. Chynoweth and Roe, who came to Madison to aid in the effort, prepared a brief to be presented to the courts and to the credentials committee of the national convention (May 20, June 21). The two lawyers collected statements from the delegates to the convention (May 26, June 3, 7, 14, 15). (See also Series 4: Wisconsin Republican Party Records.) Hoard wrote La Follette to urge that a summary of the evidence be submitted to the voters (May 24), while Stephenson suggested that overtures from La Follette toward the state's businessmen would have prevented such a break (May 26) . A large part of the correspondence consists of constituent letters of congratulation and support, one of the most interesting of which came from the Wisconsin Women's Republican Club (June 9). Other mail was received from the National Municipal League (June 20) and the Negro Development and Exposition Company (May 20).

Reel 73, Correspondence, 1904 June 22-August 18

Although the progressives won their case before the Wisconsin supreme court, they decided not to appeal to the credentials committee of the national convention. Gilbert Roe was one of those who applauded La Follette's position (June 23). La Follette, apparently, was more concerned about how the Wisconsin voters would interpret the decision (June 25). The size of the bill for printing Roe's brief documents the importance placed upon getting the truth before the electorate (June 27) . The national attention given the schism within the Wisconsin Republicans brought journalist Lincoln Steffens to the state to investigate (July 5, 25). However the correspondence contains little mention of the progressives' reaction to Steffens' visit save a letter from Hall discussing his interview with the writer (July 22). Colliers' also wanted to feature an article on Wisconsin, and Richard Lloyd Jones assured La Follette there would be no conflict with Steffen's article in McClure's (July 14). A letter from Roe to Mrs. La Follette mentioned revisions in an unidentified article (August 13). Also of interest are letters from Thomas of the railroad commission (August 1, 17), and a mass of routine political letters, speaking invitations, job applications, and autograph requests.

Reel 74, Correspondence, 1904 August 19-October 5

The campaign of 1904 is the subject of most of the correspondence on this reel. A letter to Roe discussed sending reprints of the Steffens article to all Wisconsin voters (September 1) ; La Follette also expected further favorable publicity from an article in Colliers' (September 1). J. J. Blaine reported that conditions had improved in the important third district, where the La Follette forces had met defeat earlier (September 16). From Washington MacKenzie suggested campaign strategy to use against Peck (August 28). Throughout the reel are letters referring to the reform efforts in Hurley, Wisconsin (August 31, September 1, 17, 21) and reports from the railroad commission (September 14, 16, 19, 29). There is a letter on free trade with the Philippines from the National Cigar Leaf Tobacco Association (August 30).

Reel 75, Correspondence, 1904 October 6-November 8

As the election approached, the majority of the correspondence consisted of routine campaign materials. Frequent correspondents included W. D. Connor and Cochems of the state central committee. Immediately preceding the election La Follette received letters of support from Steffens (November 1), Hall (November 6), and Bacon (November 5). Bacon also expressed a desire that La Follette include a statement in support of revision of the Interstate Commerce Commission in his message to the legislature to impress President Roosevelt. After his re-election La Follette received numerous congratulatory letters and telegrams from constituents. This reel also contains reports from the railroad commission (October 22) and the state board of assessment (October 29).

Reel 76, Correspondence, 1904 November 9-17

La Follette received telegrams of congratulation after his great victory from prominent state and national figures, including Cummins, Murphy, Cooper, Blaine, Lenroot, and Ekern (November 9). William Jennings Bryan, who had refused to campaign for Democratic candidates against La Follette, suggested that La Follette belonged in the Senate (November 14) and commented upon the national election results. Bryan felt the election should not be construed as a victory for administration policies, but rather, as a rebuke of the Democratic party's rejection of reform. Later Bryan asked La Follette to enlist circa S. DeNeen and Cummins in the fight for direct election of Senators, an issue which Bryan considered more important than partisan loyalty (November 17). Mention of the upcoming Senatorial election also appears in a letter from J. A. Van Cleve of the state central committee. He stated that since La Follette reportedly was not a candidate for the office, Stephenson ought to be so honored for his contributions to the party (November 12).
In a November 14 letter Hall, the originator of the railroad regulatory movement in Wisconsin, wrote Haugen about La Follette's contributions to reform in Wisconsin: “All would have come to naught but for the arrival of La Follette with his big brain, his bull dog tenacity, and great physical endurance.”

Reel 77, Correspondence, 1904 November 18-December 19

After his re-election La Follette's correspondence indicates that he was primarily concerned with railroad regulation and interstate commerce. He received a letter about Bacon's interview with Roosevelt and Quarles' support of interstate commerce regulation (November 19). MacKenzie gossiped that Roosevelt would support the commerce act revision (November 28) and that either La Follette or Stephenson would be elected to the Senate (November 30, December 9). La Follette also received letters from B. H. Meyer of the University's department of political economy (November 21), and from commerce expert Frederic circa Howe, who suggested that public ownership was the only solution to the regulatory problem (November 21).
Numerous letters from journalists indicate that La Follette was an important public figure. The editor of Colliers' arrived in Wisconsin to meet La Follette, bearing an introduction from Steffens (November 19). Arena Magazine and the Saturday Evening Post (December 2, 10) both requested permission to feature articles about him. Author Hamlin Garland asked La Follette to serve on a committee honoring Henry George (December 1).
Cards from a meeting with Julius Rosenthal and Graham Taylor of the Chicago Commons document the interest of those urban reformers in Wisconsin (December 10). Other items of note include a humorous letter from John Hay (November 21) and a letter from a socialist worker who had been fired for his political beliefs (November 24).

Reel 78, Correspondence, 1904 December 20-1904, undated

Railroad reform continued to be La Follette's chief concern. He received opinions on this legislation from Lenroot (December 21), Eliot (December 22), Hall (December 25), and Bacon (December 26). John Reagan and O. B. Colquit of the liberal Texas railroad commission reported to La Follette's representative on the administration-sponsored bill (December 24, 26). Frederic Howe also commented upon the bill, stressing that the commission should be appointed rather than elected (December 31).
A letter from Hoard confirms that La Follette's election to the Senate was a continuing subject for political gossip (December 22).
The undated material of 1904 consists of information on the capitol fire, a notebook of speaking invitations for the year, a draft of a letter to Roosevelt, and a great deal of routine political material.

Reel 79, Correspondence, 1904, undated (continued)-1905 January 20

Unidentified newspaper enclosures and general patronage matters conclude the undated material for 1904 on this reel.
Before the administration-sponsored railroad bill was introduced, W. D. Connor (January 5), Johnson (January 6), Commons (January 5, 13), Eliot (January 19), circa A. Prouty (January 16), and J. B. Dolliver (January 14) sent their comments on the bill to the governor. Of course the progressives were concerned that organization of the senate might prevent passage of the reform legislation. From New York Richard Lloyd Jones offered to keep the stalwarts in line by turning “his artillery” upon them (January 9).
Other letters came from George L. Record, who discussed an article that Steffens was writing about reform in New Jersey (January 11), and from Howe, who wrote about his article on the nation's reform governors for Colliers' (January 14). La Follette also received letters from Comstock about his work as the governor's agent in Washington (January 2, 5), from MacKenzie on the opposition to the Hepburn bill (January 2), and from the League of Municipalities (January 6).

Reel 80, Correspondence, 1905 January 21-February 6

On January 25, 1905 the legislature elected La Follette to the Senate of the United States. After some hesitation, La Follette finally announced that he would resign from the governorship only after “his” issues were enacted into law. During this period congratulations poured in from throughout the nation; Bryan called him the “ablest man in the Republican party” (January 21). La Follette also received letters referring to the pending railroad legislation from O'Connor (January 27), Bacon (January 21), and Eliot (January 21). In addition to his legislative and administrative duties, La Follette wrote a series of articles for the Saturday Evening Post to give further national publicity to the fight for railroad regulation in the Wisconsin legislature (January 31).
Other legislative matters of interest to the governor's correspondents included anti-lynching (January 25), anti-pass (January 31), and anti-garnishment bills (February 1). Several correspondents were concerned by the sugar schedule in the national tariff (January 25, 30). The undated material from January, 1905 includes research material on the railroad commission, uniform accounting, and the recall prepared by Commons.

Reel 81, Correspondence, 1905 February 7-March 6

La Follette's correspondence indicates his increasing fame in the press as an authority on railroad regulation, for numerous publishers and journalists contacted him about articles on the subject. Appleton Publishers wanted to reprint his article from the Post (February 11). Ray Stannard Baker of McClure's also wanted to write an article on railroad reform, and he requested copies of La Follette's message on the subject (February 20). The author of the complimentary biography published in La Follette's volume of essays, Railroad Regulation, received a letter of thanks from La Follette (February 11), and a correspondent mentioned the impact of the Post series on Washington state legislation (February 17).
The reel also contains material on the progress of the regulation bill in the legislature. In a letter to Lenroot, Eliot mentioned his dissatisfaction that the Hatton bill was considered an administration-sponsored bill (February 11, 23). Lenroot was less critical of the bill's weaknesses (February 16). La Follette was also uncertain how to interpret the bill, for he asked John Winterbotham to contact Reagan about the bill. Apparently Reagan found the bill satisfactory, for La Follette ultimately signed the bill (February 21). The defeat of the federal railroad bill was the subject of a letter from MacKenzie which suggested that the federal lobby had used Jim Crow to defeat the bill (February 23); Eliot, one of the leaders in the fight for revision of the Interstate Commerce Commission, wrote La Follette that he had expected the bill to be defeated (February 23).
Subjects of interest on the reel also include political advice from Stephenson (February 28), the construction of the new capitol (February 11, 23), the Cuban treaty (February 18), and La Follette's speech, “Hamlet” (February 23).

Reel 82, Correspondence, 1905 March 7-April 8

Reel 82 indicates the diverse demands upon the governor in addition to his concern over the pending railroad bill. No doubt, however, the progress of the bill was his chief worry. The reel contains testimony before the joint committee on railroads (March 7) and Bryan's statement in support of the bill during his visit to Wisconsin (March 10). The national press gave La Follette support. Editor Crissey wrote about the effect of his Post articles on the Kansas railroad fight (March 18), and authors Steffens and Crane planned a second investigatory trip to Wisconsin (March 24). Success Magazine wanted an article on La Follette, while the Ladies' Home Journal wanted to feature an article on Mrs. La Follette (April 6).
National progressive leaders asked La Follette to aid their diverse causes. W. E. B. Du Bois invited him to address an Atlanta University conference (April 3) and Clark Howell, Georgia politician and editor, and Albert Cummins requested help in their campaigns (April 3) . Steffens asked La Follette to use his influence with Governor Folk of Missouri, whom Steffens feared was too open to the conservatives (April 3, 7).
Other letters dealt with Washington political gossip (March 15), the Cuban treaty (March 10, undated), the tuberculosis bill veto (April 1), and the anti-cigarette bill (March 31).

Reel 83, Correspondence, 1905 April 9-May 16

After the railroad regulation bill passed the legislature, La Follette asked experts such as circa A. Prouty (May 6) about the advisability of signing the weakened bill. Reformers in Colorado (April 11, 17), New Jersey (April 14), and Kansas (April 26) requested advice on various legislative matters in their states. In the meantime a wide range of administrative and legislative demands absorbed La Follette's attention. Wisconsin citizens were concerned by insurance laws (May 3), the beef trust (May 11), and various routine political and appointive matters (April 28, 29, undated, May 1) . Miscellaneous letters were received from Caro Lloyd, the biographer of Henry Demarest Lloyd (May 8), and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Exposition (May 9).

Reel 84, Correspondence, 1905 May 17-June 12

In addition to the bill establishing a railroad commission, the 1905 legislature enacted bills for a civil service commission and for labor and conservation protection. Apparently the railroad bill was La Follette's chief interest, for there is little information on this other legislation.
At Common's request La Follette sent copies of the railroad law to several experts for their opinion (May 18). In the last letter written before his death Hall congratulated the governor on the passage of the law, which marked the culmination of Hall's life work (May 19). Further congratulations and comments on the bill were received from Bacon (May 23), Cowan (May 26), and numerous Wisconsin citizens. The post May 22 material (and May undated) contains testimony of the members of the Milwaukee shippers group before the committee on interstate commerce.
On Reel 84 there is also a great deal of correspondence regarding lesser legislative matters. These include the anti-cigarette law (May 26, June 5), railroad employees (May 29), shop employees (May 26), automobile regulation (June 1, 5), and the corn-shredder bill (May 29, undated, June 3). Other subjects include urban subsidization of railroads (May 25), insurance laws (May 27), national banking laws (May 28), the new capitol (May 31), capital punishment (June 6), and Arizona and New Mexico statehood June 6).

Reel 85, Correspondence, 1905 June 13-July 20

Although La Follette was not completely satisfied with provisions of the railroad commission bill, he signed it and immediately set about appointing members of the commission. Commons asked Henry circa Adams to accept a position (June 16), but he declined. On June 18 La Follette offered B. H. Meyer, a position. Other original members of the commission were Halford Erickson and John Barnes (June 15).
La Follette's reputation as an expert on railroad regulation and electoral reform brought him numerous letters. A Kansas reformer asked advice on legislation in his state (July 13), while the South Dakota Primary League questioned him on other election matters (July 19).
In addition to the railroad commission appointments La Follette was concerned with appointments to the new civil service commission (July 3, 13). Other correspondence mentions the judges' salary bill (July 13-15), the attorney general (June 16), and the illegal use of game wardenships (July 3, 7). In addition to numerous speaking invitations and matters pertaining to his Chautauqua lectures (June undated, July 6), there are letters from the Immigration Restriction League (June 16), Victor Berger of the Wisconsin Social Democratic party (June 17), the Negro Committee of the Jamestown Exposition (July 8), and an illegible letter from Steffens which mentions Hagemeister, Hall, and Lenroot (July 17).

Reel 86, Correspondence, 1905 July 21-August 31

Before assuming his Senate seat, La Follette departed on an extended lecture tour. In his absence the correspondence was handled by Hannan, and notes from his telephone calls and letters to La Follette are included in the undated material for August. The letters on Reel 86 deal with diverse topics, from union support of the progressive cause (August 2, 26) to the course of reform in Hurley (August 15). Correspondents included Ray Stannard Baker, who desired an interview with La Follette for McClure's (July 31), the Tariff Reciprocity League (July 25, August 11), the National Civic Federation (July 26), Rogers (July undated; August 5, 17, 21), Lenroot (August 10), and John M. Nelson (August 11).

Reel 87, Correspondence, 1905 September 1-October 31

Although La Follette was absent from his office during the summer and fall of 1905 on a lecture tour, his incoming correspondence continues to reflect a wide range of interests among his constituents. During this time Hannan, Rogers, Nellie Dunn (September 28, October 4), and acting Governor Davidson (September 25) kept La Follette informed of these matters in Wisconsin.
Although he did not resign until January, 1906 to assume his Senate seat, La Follette began to receive mail dealing with matters of federal legislation and policy: Arizona and New Mexico statehood (September 2), tariffs (October 4), and the Oklahoma-Five Nations settlement (October 2).
The majority of the correspondence deals with Wisconsin legislation and politics. A large portion of the correspondence deals with the developing split over the Lenroot-Davidson gubernatorial candidacies (October 25, 30) and the positions taken by La Follette and by party leaders Connor and Frear.
A substantial portion of the mail deals with the role La Follette played in support of reformers in Ohio (October 11, 27), Kansas (October 21), and New Jersey (October 21). A correspondent from Washington state discussed La Follette's backing there as a potential presidential candidate (October 21). Other noteworthy correspondents include Samuel Gompers (September 31), W. E. B. Du Bois (October 30), George L. Record (October 21), and Jenkin Lloyd Jones (September 5). Other letters informed the governor of the situation in Hurley (September 1) and the administration of the railroad commission (September 30).

Reel 88, Correspondence, 1905 November 1-December 15

La Follette's lecture and campaign schedule was so rigorous that in November his health collapsed. To recuperate he canceled the remainder of his schedule and returned to Madison to prepare for the coming special session. This session had been called to correct weaknesses in earlier legislation. One of the measures which most interested La Follette was a second choice voting provision (December 9).
Earlier La Follette had received some suggestions on the session from Lenroot, his political protègé, whom La Follette hoped would be elected governor after Davidson completed La Follette's unexpired term (November 23). Several letters from party leaders Connor and Stephenson document the intraparty split over this election (November 3, December 3, 12).
Other letters reveal that the administration of the new civil service commission (November 2, December 9), the tax commission (November 28), and the railroad commission (December 1) posed problems for La Follette.
Perhaps the majority of the important correspondence deals with La Follette's position on the national scene. Letters came to him because of his reputation in electoral reform (November 7, 21, 22, 29, December 5), Interstate Commerce Commission revision and railroad regulation (November 22, December 2, 13), immigration restriction (November 6), tariff reform (November 27, December 12), and woman's suffrage (December 7). National politics and the relations of La Follette and Spooner are the subjects of a letter from Representative Cooper (December 15). Foreign policy--the Philippines (November 27), Cuba (December 8), Palestine (before December 9), and Japan (December 15)--is the subject of several letters. La Follette's relations with the press figure in other correspondence. MacKenzie (November 3) discussed the political revolution in the Hearst press, journalist Steffens mentioned the reform situation in New Jersey (November 22), and La Follette himself undertook the editorship of a series of essays, The Making of America, to which he contributed several pieces (November 24).

Reel 89, Correspondence, 1905 December 16-1906 January 24

On January 4, 1906 La Follette took his oath as Senator and thereafter his correspondence reflects his new role in Washington. La Follette confessed that as the sole reform Senator (“the most unpopular Senator since Sumner”) he felt isolated in his new position (January 14). The majority of this correspondence deals with federal patronage and legislation. The primary legislation with which La Follette was concerned during his early Senate career derived from his membership on the Indian affairs committee for the settlement of the Oklahoma-Five Nations treaty under the Curtis bill (January 10, 24). At the same time his correspondence concerning the Hepburn bill and interstate commerce continued (January 12, 13, 15, 18).
La Follette kept abreast of political matters in Wisconsin through letters from Nelson (January 15, 17), O'Connor (January 11), Rogers (January 11, 15, 16), and Lenroot (January 15). There were numerous speaking invitations, including requests from the Conference for the Reform of the Primary and Election Laws (January 5) and the Council for the Advancement of Civic Purity (January 1). Other matters which interested his correspondents included the Isle of Pines Treaty (December 18, January 11), the Philippine tariff bill (December 19), and the Arizona-New Mexico joint statehood bill (December 20).

Reel 90, Correspondence, 1906 January 25-February 29

Conservative Senators hoped to block La Follette's radicalism on railroad reform by appointing him to insignificant committees where he would be inundated by routine work. Nevertheless, La Follette earned a reputation as a friend of the Indians on the Committee on Indian Affairs. The correspondence on this reel deals with his efforts to prevent private ownership of the Indian coal lands and settlement of the Oklahoma-Five Nations Treaty (February 9, 12, 14, 16-22, 25-28) . Some mention of Wisconsin Indians also appears (February 2). Although the tradition against speeches by freshman Senators compelled him to keep silent in the debate on the Hepburn bill, La Follette's reputation as an authority on the subject of railroad reform continued to bring him mail on the subject (January 27, February 3, 9, 21, 24, 27).
Other matters which concerned his correspondents included the Isle of Pines Treaty (February 8, undated), the Philippine tariff bill (January 25, February 8), the Arizona-New Mexico statehood bill (January 25, February 8), prohibition (February 21), and patronage. La Follette's correspondence also kept him abreast of events in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary and other political matters in the state (February 3, 5, 8, 17, 26). He continued his public speaking in the Washington area (February passim), although a letter from Steffens to Record mentions disappointment over La Follette's inability to campaign in New Jersey (February 13).

Reel 91, Correspondence, 1906 March 1-April 25

La Follette continued to support the Indians in the Curtis act debate, and the resulting attention which he attracted brought him opinions and information on the Five Nations settlement (March 2, 3, 19, 28, 30, April 6, 19) . He also emerged as a leading defender of the Menominees' rights to their timber lands in Wisconsin (March 17, 28, April 10, 16, 18) by taking the matter directly to chief of the National Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot.
Correspondence indicates that La Follette continued to be the dominant force in Wisconsin politics despite his absence. Not only did political leaders in Wisconsin' keep him informed of events there (March 14-16), but men such as B. H. Meyer of the railroad commission kept him abreast of administrative matters (March 23, April 24).
Numerous correspondents requested copies of La Follette's tradition-shattering speech of April 19-21 on the Hepburn bill. Unfortunately the collection contains little else relating to this speech. Other issues include Bacon's concern over the escrow bill (April 2), the Wisconsin free alcohol bill (April 12), and Cummins' report on the political situation in Iowa (March 24).

Reel 92, Correspondence, 1906 April 26-June 6

La Follette's widely acclaimed speech on the Hepburn bill renewed his reputation as the national leader in the cause of railroad regulation. Frederic circa Howe and Ray Stannard Baker were among the many correspondents who requested copies of the speech. However, William Trotter, a prominent black writer, complained that the bill would allow Jim Crow to be extended to interstate railroads (May 4, 19). In a letter of May 20 La Follette expressed his own views upon the success which he felt the bill would experience in operation.

I trust and believe that I am conservative as becomes the important duties of the position which I have accepted, but I think I do not overstate the matter when I say that unless the effort which is being made ... to comply with the public demand for an efficient regulation of transportation rates ... shall succeed fully and at an early date, the country will surely turn ... to government ownership as the only solution ... I believe efficient regulation is to be much preferable and the safest and easiest solution to this problem.

The Senator's correspondence concerning Indian affairs continues on this reel (April 30, May 14, June 2, 3, 5). Tribes mentioned include the Oklahoma Five Nations and the Menominee of Wisconsin.
Despite the important work in which he was engaged in Washington La Follette confessed that he was lonely and felt he was neglecting his duty in the confused political situation in Wisconsin (April 30). To Zimmerman he stated that although some people might feel his support of Lenroot was a repudiation of the primary election principles, he was only exercising his own right of citizenship (May 17).
Other correspondence concerned the mail rate bill (April undated), Cummins' need for assistance in the Iowa campaign (May 1), the free alcohol bill (May 5), and Jewish immigration (May 23).

Reel 93, Correspondence, 1906 June 7-July 28

After the Senate adjourned, La Follette began a Chautauqua tour to earn money and alert the people to the issues. In his absence the mail received in his office reflected the broad reform and political areas in which he had established a reputation. Several letters reflect reaction to his speeches, including one from Nebraska about woman's suffrage (July 25). Apparently La Follette was now regarded by the Indians as their legislative defender, for he received letters on various matters from Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Kickapoo (June 11, 13, 29). The rights of the Indians, as well as his concern for conservation, made him the primary opponent of private entry into Indian coal lands (June 20), and his speech on the Hepburn bill earned him a reputation as a radical on interstate commerce reform (June 26).
La Follette himself seemed most concerned with the political situation in Wisconsin; indeed, part of the reason for his Chautauqua tour was to underwrite Lenroot's campaign (June 7, 15, 18, 20, 26, July 11, 17). Other mail concerns Congressman circa A. Lindbergh of Minnesota (July 26), Senator R. Smoot (June 11), Senator Moses Clapp (June 22, 25), the free alcohol bill (June 26), the Isle of Pines treaty (June 15), and La Follette's presidential candidacy (July 9).

Reel 94, Correspondence, 1906 July 29-September 10

In La Follette's absence his mail, handled by his secretary (continued) to deal with the subjects upon which La Follette had established his reputation--railroad rate regulation and Indian rights (August 6, 7). He also received a large amount of correspondence about his work with the committee on pensions and numerous speaking invitations. Other letters refer to his editorship of The Making of America series (August 4), postal reform (August 9), and moral reform in Hurley (August 31). A copy of a letter to William Jennings Bryan from an unidentified correspondent discussed the necessity of uniting Tom Johnson, Tom Watson, and Governor Folk in an independent league (September 3). A letter from Lincoln Steffens discussed reform in New Jersey (September 10). However La Follette appeared chiefly concerned with the gubernatorial campaign in Wisconsin. The reel includes a draft of a speech delivered by Lenroot (August 16).
La Follette's disappointment at Lenroot's defeat on September 4 was quite evident. He received letters from many of his old supporters (after September 4), who saw the loss as one for La Follette and the cause of clean government rather than for Lenroot. Lenroot himself wrote the same thing on September 10 and stated that he had expected defeat, although not so decisively.

Reel 95, Correspondence, 1906 September 11-October 31

Lenroot's defeat did not end La Follette's campaigning in 1906. Immediately following the primary he departed to assist reformers Record and Colby in New Jersey (September 12, 27, 28, October 4). People from South Dakota (October 5) and Kansas (October passim) also requested his aid and reported on their states. Although John Strange counseled that the advancement of reform in Wisconsin might be aided by La Follette's support of certain Democratic candidates (October 12), La Follette returned to Wisconsin to campaign for the Republican ticket in the general election (October 25). No doubt his determination to work hard in the campaign came from the realization that he had overestimated voter awareness.

I had believed that the educational work of our former campaigns had established higher standards of citizenship than apparently exist. Our work has not advanced nearly so much as I thought it had, but it only means that we must work the harder in the future [September 13, 14].

Other letters refer to Zona Gale (September 12, 14), the Menominee Indians (circa September), Fola La Follette's theatrical career (October 8), the Congo (October 25), and the prosecution of the Standard Oil antitrust suit (October 20). La Follette received great response to his railroad speech in the form of requests for copies.

Reel 96, Correspondence, 1906 November 1-1907 May 30

Until the readjournment of the Senate in December, 1906 La Follette was active as a public speaker and campaign orator, and his secretary handled his correspondence. A majority of the mail consists of requests for copies of speeches, although a substantial portion is in reference to various legislative matters or elections which interested La Follette: New Jersey (November 23), Colorado (December 4), and North Dakota (December 26). Railroad regulation also figured prominently as a subject. Legislators from Oregon (November 19), Idaho (November 19), and Oklahoma (December 8) asked for advice on various matters. A correspondence with Lincoln Steffens (1906 undated, January 12, 21) discussed the railroad coal lands fraud, while A. P. Stickney, an old La Follette supporter and railroad official, voiced opposition to the rate bill (December 12) . Railroad employee matters also appear because of La Follette's defense in the hours-of-service-bill debate (January 21). A Pennsylvania railroad employee indicated that they regarded La Follette as their champion (March 12). Some documents deal with the early stages of the 1908 La Follette for President movement. Although nothing in the correspondence reveals the actual formation of the committee in May, 1907 several letters discuss his support in the western and southern states (December 16, January 9, 25, April 4, May 27).

Reel 97, Correspondence, 1907 June 1-November 10

In May, 1907 the sentiment supporting La Follette for President culminated in formal organization in Milwaukee, apparently without any open encouragement from La Follette. He was on a speaking tour during the entire summer and, for the most part, out of touch with these people.
This reel is made up almost exclusively of the correspondence of the La Follette Committee, headed by Rogers and Ekern. Frequent correspondents include W. W. Powell, John M. Nelson, Maurice Morrissey, and George Loftus of the Minnesota Shippers and Receivers. After organizing in Wisconsin to control the delegation in that state (October 22, 24, 28, November 2), the executive committee began to send representatives to other states in the West.

Reel 98, Correspondence, 1907 November 11-December 20

The correspondence of the La Follette for President organization continues on this reel. Their mail included reports from supporters in North and South Dakota (November 28, December 18), Nebraska (November 29), Michigan (November 30), Idaho (December 12), New York (November 30), Massachusetts (December 3), Washington (December 4), Kansas (December 18), Mississippi (December 16), and Minnesota (November 29). A letter from Steffens which referred to Raymond Robins and Commons discussed the situation in New Jersey (December 10). McElroy reported that Theodore Roosevelt would not accept renomination (December 12), and Hannan wrote that Taft realized La Follette was his chief opponent, and was already concentrating his efforts against the Wisconsin Senator (December 16). One letter indicates that because of limited funds (November 31), the strategy adopted by the organization was to be one of private letter writing (December 9).
La Follette appears to have had little interest in the progress of the campaign. He wrote Ekern that he could not participate because he felt he had more important responsibilities in Washington (December 20).

Reel 99, Correspondence, 1907 December 21-1908 January 14

The correspondence of the La Follette for President committee continues on this reel. Although there are a few requests for speeches which were obviously received by his Senatorial office, the majority of the correspondence is that received or sent by W. W. Powell or Ekern from their Wisconsin headquarters. Scattered throughout are reports from boosters around the country. A few letters, such as the correspondence with Stephenson (December 31, January 3, 6), Hannan (December 27), and Lynn Haines (January 3), reveal the manner in which the campaign was organized and funds were raised.

Reel 100, Correspondence, 1908 January 15-February 5

The political files of the La Follette for President organization continue on this reel. Included are undated lists of people to contact, newspaper inventories, contributors, and other campaign information. Reports on Wisconsin, Washington, Minnesota, Iowa, and Oklahoma are scattered throughout. A letter from Roe refers to articles by Steffens and Commons about the campaign (February 3). Haines commented upon the conflict of ideals and expediency faced by North Dakota insurgents over the La Follette candidacy (January 17). A similar conflict was felt by supporters Hatton and Dick, who promised support of the La Follette Indian reservation lumber bill, although it would hurt their Mississippi Lumber Company financially (January 28).

Reel 101, Correspondence, 1908 February 6-29

This reel contains correspondence received in La Follette's office in Washington, D.C. Legislative matters dealt with include tariff revision (February 6), immigration restriction (February 10), railroad employees (February 15), and pension matters (February 10).
Although discouraged by the prospects for nominating La Follette, the presidential campaign organization continued to work hard in his behalf. Reports on local political situations were received from North Dakota (February 6), Nebraska (February 27), Oklahoma (February 24, 28, 29), Idaho (February 26), and Minnesota (February 28). Among these are the letters of a black Republican politician who wished to organize the southern states for La Follette (February 29).

Reel 102, Correspondence, 1908 March 1-18

As the state delegate conventions approached, the strength of the stalwart Republican machine appeared overwhelming. Nevertheless in Wisconsin and in several other western states La Follette supporters continued their efforts, but they realized their chances were not good. In South Dakota the situation was reported hopeless (March 3), Utah was said to be completely machine controlled (March 4), and in Idaho William Borah supported Taft (March 2). In Oregon an uninstructed delegation was the best for which the La Follette committee could hope (March 16). Two letters addressed by the committee to Hannan and La Follette give an excellent state-by-state analysis of the political situation (March 2, 5).
The reel also contains mail received by La Follette's Senatorial office. The subjects of this correspondence were chiefly matters with which La Follette was publicly known to be concerned: Indians (March 4, 7), pensions (March 4) interstate commerce (March 4), prohibition (March 4, 10), the Gardiner eight hour bill (March 3), and naval appropriations (March 4).

Reel 103, Correspondence, 1903 March 19-30

This reel consists of constituent mail received in La Follette's Senatorial office and letters received by the La Follette for President campaign committee. In a letter to a Mississippi supporter Ekern summed up the prospects for the Republican Convention, predicting that La Follette would receive delegate votes from Washington, Oregon, North Dakota, Idaho, and Wyoming (March 19). But even in Wisconsin the committee expected difficulties, for the stalwarts counted upon voter carelessness and indifference to defeat La Follette (March20). Other interesting material concerning the committee includes a letter from William Allen White of the Emporia Gazette (March 26) and the committee treasurer's report (March 30).
The Senatorial correspondence, which is largely routine, includes requests for copies of La Follette's speech on the Aldrich-Vreeland currency bill from Congressman Lindbergh (March 26) and the Mayo brothers (March 30). Several letters concern the Bacon bill, to regulate state liquor traffic (March 20, 21), and the employer's liability act (March 23).

Reel 104, Correspondence, 1908 March 31-April 25

In addition to the routine correspondence, this reel includes results of the first presidential primary. In Wisconsin the La Follette delegates were victorious by a margin of over 2 to 1. In addition, letters were received from the La Follette organizations in other states. The president of the Atlanta organization who wrote about the local situation was a black man (April 7). Borah explained to La Follette that he had been committed to Taft before La Follette entered the race (April 7, 16), but another committee correspondent felt the Idaho delegation still might go uninstructed despite Borah (April 20, 25). Correspondents from Oregon and Nebraska mentioned last minute efforts to secure La Follette delegations in their states.
Several letters from Ekern (April 13, 24) concern the committee's financial difficulties. His correspondence with Hannan and La Follette discusses alternatives to the situation and reveals La Follette's ignorance of campaign matters (April 25, 27). On April 17 Ekern responded to White's letter on the progress of placing the power of nomination in the hands of the people.

Reel 105, Correspondence, 1908 April 26-August 15

Significant correspondence on this reel is concerned with financial difficulties of the presidential committee (May 2, 4, 9, 11) and La Follette's heroic filibuster of the Aldrich-Vreeland currency bill (May 30). On June 5 La Follette wrote that he would have felt warranted in obstructing the passage of the bill in any legal way. Although he had not expected to defeat the bill single-handedly, by putting the bill in public view, he felt he had performed a worthwhile public service.

Reel 106, Correspondence, 1908 August 16-1909 March 31

This reel consists entirely of routine constituent correspondence received in La Follette's Washington office. Included are letters of information on Indian affairs (October 13, January 6, 14), trusts (November 14), labor conditions (November 23), naval appropriations (February 15), railroad taxation (December 26), and prison conditions (January 11). La Follette, his secretary stated, was so occupied with the establishment of La Follette's Magazine that he had little time for correspondence (December 1).
In response to a letter which asked why he did not form his own political party to achieve election to the presidency La Follette explained his political goals and aspirations.

Under the circumstances I believe that I am pursuing the best course for the attainment of results within the ranks of my own party. I am unable to see wherein I could have done more good by taking a different course ... I know much of what you say as to the reform movement is true and yet I take a more hopeful view. There is a great deal that can be done, and perhaps done better in other ways than by the organization of a political party for which the country ois not prepared. Nor do I think we are entirely without organization. The leaders of progressivism [sic] all over the country are working out a program along certain lines, and according to similar general principles ... A line of division between the opposition forces is gradually being drawn more sharply, and is being defined as fast as public opinion or the great issues of the day make possible. For my part my next important effort will be the publication of a weekly magazine devoted to this cause, for which I will hope to aid ... spreading the intelligence of what is being done in the reform cause throughout the country [December 26].

Also on the reel is a letter to Woodrow Wilson (March 17) requesting a copy of a speech, which La Follette called “one of the most timely which has been delivered in recent years upon the tendency of our government.”

Reel 107, Correspondence, 1909 April 1-July 31

This reel consists largely of routine correspondence received in La Follette's Washington office. Since La Follette was chairman of the census committee, he received letters from people asking to be enumerators. Several letters are concerned with land policy (May 7, 11, 13, 25) and Indians (July 10), and an inventor of a flying machine criticized the Wright brothers' machine (July 16).

Reel 108, Correspondence, 1909 August 1-1910 May 18

The majority of this reel consists of routine correspondence which was received in the Senator's office and which was handled by his secretary during La Follette's lengthy absence on a speaking tour.
In April La Follette supporters Rogers and Charles Crownhart began to organize for the coming Senatorial primary campaign by collecting voter lists. One man wrote that money was pouring into Wisconsin to beat La Follette in the primary (May 17).

Reel 109, Correspondence, 1910 May 19-June 23

This reel largely concerns the organization of the La Follette Senatorial campaign committee. Since this was La Follette's first campaign for the office, a great deal of money was spent by national stalwart interests to defeat him, and this reel indicates the campaign launched to counter this effort.

Reel 110, Correspondence, 1910 June 24-July 15

The correspondence of the La Follette Senatorial Committee headed by Crownhart continues on this reel. A substantial amount of this correspondence is concerned with circulating nomination papers, acquisition of voter lists, and mailings for publicity.

Reel 111, Correspondence, 1910 July 16-August 2

The routine correspondence of the La Follette Senatorial Committee continues on this reel. Before launching into the campaign La Follette returned to Madison for a brief vacation. Senator Bristow wrote that he would come to Wisconsin to campaign for La Follette because of La Follette's ill health (July 21). La Follette was unable to offer similar assistance to Cummins and Judge Ben Lindsey in their campaigns (July 22).

Reel 112, Correspondence, 1910 August 3-15

Because of La Follette's continuing illness, the routine campaign correspondence with local supporters assumes greater importance for it was chiefly in this manner that the campaign was carried on.

Reel 113, Correspondence, 1910 August 16-30

The local campaign correspondence of the La Follette Senatorial Committee continues on this reel.

Reel 114, Correspondence, 1910 August 31-September 8

The remainder of the collection consists of congratulations to La Follette after his victory in the Wisconsin primary on September 6, 1910. Congratulations were received from Albert Beveridge, Ray Stannard Baker, S. S. McClure, Rudolph Spreckles, Gifford Pinchot, and Gilson Gardner (September 7). La Follette's feeling about the victory was reflected in a letter to Pinchot in which he called the victory one for “our great cause,” not a personal triumph (September 7).
One letter indicates that Samuel Gompers campaigned on La Follette's behalf (September 1).

Reel 115, Correspondence, 1910 September 9-December 19, undated

In September La Follette replied to the many people who had congratulated him upon his victory. Most people received form letters, but he wrote at length to the national progressive figures--Spreckles, McClure, Baker, and Judge Lindsey--who had come to Wisconsin to campaign for him because of his illness (September 22). To Albert Beveridge he wrote:

It is a hard fight in Wisconsin. The figures showing the popular vote do not tell the story. Had it not been for the good work of our friends--Cummins, Doliver, Bristow, Clapp and Borah, and George Record--it would have been impossible to roll up the great popular majority of 102,000. While the popular vote demonstrates the favor of the people to the progressive cause, still there were so many complications that it is only by analyzing the legislative vote that one can realize how close was our contest [September 22].

The remaining material on the reel consists of miscellaneous undated correspondence and other papers.

Reel 116, Governor's Letterbooks, 1901 January 12-June 8

The reel begins with acknowledgments of the congratulatory messages received after the inauguration. Two of the most interesting went to Senator Quarles (1: 19) and Gilbert Roe (1: 23). The greatest portion of the mail concerned patronage matters. On several occasions La Follette interceded with federal officials on behalf of his supporters, although he warned those seeking state jobs that appointments would not be made until later (1: 134). He also interceded for constituents with Andrew Carnegie (1: 126) and President Roosevelt (1: 127).
Legislation, in particular the Stevens primary election bill, is featured prominently in his correspondence (1: 219, 287, 335, 369, 427, 460, 461; 2: 129 195, 219, 317). La Follette's political interests focused upon the state newspapers. He thanked Amos Wilder of the Wisconsin State Journal (1: 246) and the Outlook Magazine for their support of primary legislation. The increasingly critical position of the Milwaukee Sentinel prompted letters to Hall (2: 203), Stephenson (1: 193), and Kronshage (2: 386), with regard to the newspaper being organized by the progressives to express their political views. In addition to the routine administrative matters, La Follette discussed industrial difficulties with Governor Van Sant of Minnesota (1: 447), the position of women (1: 189), deputy game wardens (1: 267), and Babcock's revenue bill (1: 403).

Reel 117, Governor's Letterbooks, 1901 June 10-November 4

Exhausted by the rigorous legislative session, La Follette became ill. His secretary, Jerre Murphy, sent out the form letters contained on this reel to the many groups who requested La Follette as a guest speaker.
Despite his illness La Follette was concerned by the continued criticism in the state's newspapers. In this regard he wrote to A.R. Hall (3: 13) and I. L. Lenroot (3: 170) to undertake some speaking on his behalf (4: 95, 137). As a result of the critical position taken by the Milwaukee Sentinel, La Follette and Rogers were active in the organization of the new Milwaukee newspaper. During the planning Rogers corresponded frequently with Kronshage (3: 455; 4: 55). La Follette was also concerned with the work done by H.R. Comstock in the Civil War claims case (4: 76). Also on the reel are plans to honor Philippine war hero, General Arthur MacArthur (4: 130), a response to Cummins' request for help in the Iowa campaign (4: 324), a Department of the Interior inquiry referred to Charles Van Hise (3: 34), and a discussion of foreign medical diplomas with Secretary of State John Hay (3: 264).

Reel 118, Governor's Letterbooks, 1901 November 6-1902 March 8

The correspondence on this reel, although largely routine, deals with the 1902 campaign. Letters to Cook and Kronshage document the manner in which the organization collected voter lists (5: 251/2, 130). Due to La Follette's illness much of the burden of the campaign was carried by the Free Press; a heavy correspondence from Alf Rogers indicates the governor's influence upon the editorial policy of the paper (5: 279, 395; 6: 8, 30, 319). The Free Press published the chief document of the campaign, the 1902 Voters' Handbook (6: 106). Rogers did much of the work on the Handbook, soliciting articles from A. R. Hall (6: 150) and committeeman Dwight Parker (6: 464). In one detailed letter La Follette replied to criticism of the primary law (7: 135), while in others he replied to Stone (6: 345) and Eliot (6: 477) about taxation matters and a possible special session. Other letters discussed his health (5: 121), interceded with Carnegie for the Free Library Commission (5: 97), and discussed the Civil War claims with Comstock (5: 178, 462; 6: 247).

Reel 119, Governor's Letterbooks, 1902 March 8-June 20

Documentation of the 1902 campaign continues on this reel. Several letters refer to the highly publicized break with Congressman Dahle (7: 551; 8: 1). Another discussed the attempt to prevent further schisms within the party in the selection of the state ticket (8: 441).
Alf Rogers continued as the link between the administration and its journalistic voices (7: 127, 432; 8: 43, 84). One letter concerns an article by Lenroot submitted to him for publication (7: 9). Although La Follette reported that he no longer influenced the editorial policy of The State, he wrote the editor regarding a supporter who had been offended by the paper (7: 384, 366). Much of the reel deals with local organization; letters on the subject went to Host (7: 38, 133), Hoard (7: 281, 462), Parker (7: 441), and Stephenson (8: 302). Other letters concern La Follette's special diet (7: 62), the Civil War claims case (7: 15), the Wisconsin militia (7: 206), the death of Lt. Governor Jesse Stone (8: 63), and Chinese immigration (to John Hay) (8:33).

Reel 120, Governor's Letterbooks, 1902 June 20-October 8

Routine campaign correspondence, frequently no more than a brief acknowledgment, makes up the bulk of this reel. A letter to Hall about the situation in Dunn County is one of many concerning local issues (9: 18, 67; 10: 1). The break with Congressman Dahle in La Follette's home district was one of the hardest fought of the local contests (9: 6) . In another dispute he asked Lenroot to settle the matter (9: 77). La Follette worried over campaign expenses (9: 318), the publication of the Free Press (9: 451), Spooner's activities (10: 4), and the collection of a complete voter list file (10: 269). Of personal interest is reference to an article about Mrs. La Follette (10: 225).

Reel 121, Governor's Letterbooks, 1902 October 8-1903 January 20

During the campaign La Follette was often absent from his office; the routine correspondence handled by his secretary continues on this reel. After his re-election La Follette's interest focused upon the 1903 legislature. A letter to Frear revealed his worries about organizing the legislature (12: 14), while letters to Hall (12: 1), Hagemeister (12: 329), and several Michigan legislators (12: 138, 139, 195) concerned specific legislation. The Hall letter is remarkable in documenting La Follette's adoption of the railroad regulation movement as an issue for reform. In addition he apologized to Congressman J. H. Davidson about the party split (12: 296), sent a friendly note to Albert Cummins (12: 327), discussed inauguration plans with Zeno Host (12: 168), and commented upon Bryan's visit to Wisconsin (11: 58) and Cooper's patronage appointments (11: 375).

Reel 122, Governor's Letterbooks, 1903 January 20-June 3

As La Follette began his second administration job applications became a flood. The bulk of the outgoing correspondence acknowledges these letters.
The governor was primarily concerned with progress on railroad and primary election reform legislation. He gathered information on the Iowa railroad laws (13: 175, 186, 250, 254, 208, 215) and urged the tax commission to present its bill (13: 14). When the bill met opposition in the assembly, he asked Johnson to solicit help from the Milwaukee supporters (13: 386). Later he commented to Hall (15: 15, 55) and Ilsley (13: 386) on the opposition which killed the bill (13: 489; 14: 13). From New York Gilbert Roe advised him on insurance legislation (13: 126; 14: 198), and since he had been hurt by similar provisions of the 1890 Bennett law, La Follette asked the Germania about Lutheran support for a school attendance law (14: 123). After adjournment he wrote Stephenson that the 1903 legislature,

while it had not accomplished everything hoped for, ... had made great strides toward more democratic government. Not in one quarter of a century has a more important piece of legislation been enacted than the law which taxes railroad property... [14: 339].

Other letters of note pertain to the Hazel Green mine (13: 178; 14: 49), deputy fish and game wardens (13: 54, 87), maintaining Scandinavian support (13: 347, 349), Albert Cummins (13: 490), and Andrew Carnegie (14:128).

Reel 123, Governor's Letterbooks, 1903 June 3-September 21

After the legislature adjourned, La Follette resumed his public speaking engagements. He asked supporters Houser, Corrigan, Bancroft, Frear, and Lenroot (16: 4 8) to aid him with this off-season campaigning, yet he was unwilling to interfere in local matters for Frear (15: 5) or Lenroot (15: 74, 236). The majority of these speeches dealt with the local effect of railroad rates, and La Follette solicited supplementary data from the railroad commissioner (15: 498) and Arena Magazine (15: 487). He guaranteed continued support from some of his unofficial campaign workers through a letter written in praise of commercial travelers. La Follette endeavored to bring national attention to his efforts in Wisconsin through several magazine articles.
Other letters relate to Murphy's resignation (15: 407, 408), the Hazel Green mine (16: 157), pardons (15: 102), his attitude toward Jews (15: 153), and Roosevelt's appointment policies (15: 403).

Reel 124, Governor's Letterbooks, 1903 September 23-1904 February 18

La Follette's speaking engagements are a frequent subject on this reel (17: 46, 165; 18: 42). He made it clear in accepting these invitations that he would only discuss the issues which would be important in the 1904 campaign. Work had already begun on the campaign. His office gathered testimony on the bribery of the 1901 legislature and on Babcock's role in the stalwart opposition in the 1903 session (17: 193; 18: 461). La Follette met with Hall (18: 418) and asked him, Frear, Lenroot, and George Hudnall (18: 417, 420) to do some pre-caucus campaign speaking.
That La Follette and the Wisconsin reform movement had become issues of national attention is evident in a letter to Walter Hines Page of The World's Work regarding an article about La Follette (17: 65). Indeed, La Follette himself was beginning to think of reform on a national scale; he confided to Roe that he hoped the Wisconsin result would influence a national reform platform (18: 138).
Other correspondence referred to Mississippi River flooding (17: 364) and infringement upon separation of church and state (18: 18).

Reel 125, Governor's Letterbooks, 1904 February 18-July 25

General administrative matters are the chief concerns on this reel. On February 25, 1904 the capitol burned (19: 132; 20: 49). Routine matters included a conference with the governor of Minnesota (19: 92), control of gambling (19: 317), and the St. Louis Exposition (19: 55).
At the same time La Follette was concerned with party organization and finances for the coming campaign (19: 312). In Wisconsin he refused to deliver his popular “Hamlet” speech in order to speak on the important campaign issues (19: 7). Nor could he find time to write an article for Colliers' (19: 40).
There is little material regarding the 1904 campaign, which culminated in the stalwarts bolting the convention. No doubt this was a difficult time for La Follette, for he was troubled by the serious illness of Robert Jr., and by the lack of political support (19: 65). Although most letters express confidence about the ultimate success of their fight (20: 63, 167), several interesting letters indicate La Follette was becoming fatigued with affairs in Wisconsin (20: 315) and wished to play a role in Washington (19: 132).

Reel 126, Governor's Letterbooks, 1904 July 25-October 26

The significant correspondence on this reel deals with the campaign of 1904 although there are the usual form letters. The Wisconsin campaign achieved national attention through an important article by Lincoln Steffens (21: 44, 47, 143). In addition La Follette wrote an article for Richard Lloyd Jones' Colliers (21: 292; 22: 9, 58) and sent material to Bryan for the Commoner (22: 456). Much of the campaign correspondence consists of routine matters handled by Thomas P. Nelson (21: 273, 427; 20: 456). Other letters mention stalwart-Democratic co-operation in the campaign (22: 395), Theodore Roosevelt (21: 216), and A. R. Hall (21: 44).

Reel 127, Governor's Letterbooks, 1904 October 26-December 17

Acknowledgments written during La Follette's absence and letters of gratitude to supporters make up the majority of documents on this reel. In addition there are letters on widely varying subjects. La Follette wrote Steffens about the impact of his McClure article on the election results (23: 99). Meanwhile work had already begun on legislation for the 1905 session. The governor asked B. H. Meyer for suggestions on railroad legislation (23: 275) and planned a caucus of progressive legislators before the session began (23: 316). He also expressed his interest in railroad regulation on a national level to the Interstate Commerce Commission (23: 271). Other letters mention A. R. Hall (23: 75), the St. Louis Exposition (23: 395), the state YMCA (23: 24), and the Mississippi River conference with Van Sant (23: 101, 104).

Reel 128, Governor's Letterbooks, 1904 December 17-1905 February 24

Important correspondence on this reel concerns the Wisconsin legislature and the railroad commission bill. La Follette queried railroad experts Reagan, Bacon, Hall, Prouty, Commons, Campbell, and Larabee (25: 73, 85-91) for suggestions on the proposed Wisconsin bill. In co-operation with these men he also drafted a message on the Interstate Commerce Commission for Roosevelt. Hence he told Bryan he could not also urge Roosevelt to support direct Senatorial elections. He did agree, however, with Senator Chandler that there should be legislation to forbid political contributions by corporations (25: 205).
Aware that the national press played a role in his cause, La Follette wrote Jenkin Lloyd Jones and Richard Lloyd Jones to keep them informed of the Wisconsin situation (25: 110, 418) and wrote a series of articles on railroads for the Saturday Evening Post (26: 203, 295, 335). La Follette also discussed the situation of the Free Press with Stephenson. When the railroad commission bill met serious opposition, La Follette asked W. D. Connor to marshal the supporters (26: 399). This opposition, as he told Hoard, also upset his career plans for it made it impossible to accept the Senatorship until all “his” reform legislation had passed (25: 239, 265).

Reel 129, Governor's Letterbooks, 1905 February 24-May 22

Owing to matters of the 1905 legislature, La Follette had no time to give more than perfunctory attention to his correspondence. Within the mass of these acknowledgments, the most important mail deals with the railroad commission bill. La Follette asked Hoard to organize friends of the bill to testify at the hearing (27: 100) and thanked Bacon for his suggestions (27: 175). Later, when the bill met serious opposition, he asked Cowan to review the weakened bill which the committee had reported, saying he could not fight for a weak bill (28: 495). In another letter he reassured Hall that his acceptance of the Senate seat meant no lessening of his commitment to Wisconsin reform (27: 82). In other letters he discussed the university (28: 67), told Governor Taylor about his special diet (28: 386), and sent Bryan a list of Wisconsin denominational schools (28: 205).

Reel 130, Governor's Letterbooks, 1905 May 22-August 11

The majority of the material on this reel consists of acknowledgments written by Hannan during La Follette's extended absence on the Chautauqua circuit. Hannan kept him informed about difficulties with the Wisconsin National Guard (29: 33) and wrote Favell regarding his disagreement with Rogers, Harper, and Fox about the Hazel Green mine (29: 165). On the whole, however, the adjournment of the most important legislature in Wisconsin history did not register in this correspondence. Only one letter mentions an interview with Cowan about the railroad bill (29: 139).

Reel 131, Governor's Letterbooks, 1905 August 11 November 7; Messages to the Legislature, 1901 January 7-May 15; 1903 February 2-May 22; 1905 January 19-June 20

The final reel in this series consists of form letters written by the governor's secretary during La Follette's absence and a volume of messages to the legislature. Drafts of some of these messages may be found in Series 3: Speeches and Writings. Letters went to Hall regarding the cigarette tax (31: 435), to Cincinnati Republicans interested in good government (31: 482), and to Lincoln Steffens about his health and the necessity of speaking on the chautauqua circuit (31: 498).